mRNA Processing Overview

The process by which the genetic information stored in DNA is transferred to RNA.

The long chain of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming the building blocks of proteins.

The process where RNA molecules are synthesized using a DNA template.

The process where polypeptide chains are synthesized using the information from mRNA.

The enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA molecules using a DNA template.

The complete, functional form of an enzyme, including the protein part (core enzyme) and the non-protein part (sigma subunit).

A specific region of DNA that signals the start of transcription.

The region of DNA that contains the genetic information for a specific protein.

The genetic code is degenerate because multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. For example, the amino acids serine, arginine, and leucine are each coded by six different codons.

Crick's Wobble Hypothesis explains how a single tRNA molecule can recognize multiple codons for the same amino acid. This is because the third base pairing between the mRNA codon and tRNA anticodon is less strict, allowing flexibility.

The start codon AUG signals the beginning of protein synthesis and codes for the amino acid methionine. In bacteria, methionine is modified to N-formyl methionine (fMet).

Three codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the termination of protein synthesis. These codons are not recognized by tRNA molecules and stop the translation process.

The genetic code is largely universal, meaning the same codons code for the same amino acids across most organisms. This makes it possible for scientists to transfer genes between species and even between different kingdoms of life.

Each triplet code (codon) in mRNA is read independently, without any punctuation or separation between codons.

A single codon always codes for only one specific amino acid.

The genetic code is the same for all organisms, from viruses to bacteria to humans.

Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

A set of three nucleotides (a triplet) in mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid.

The specific order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

A sequence of nucleotides that determines the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide chain. Its transcript is called messenger RNA (mRNA) after processing.

The concept that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to protein, a fundamental principle in molecular biology.

The genetic code does not read nucleotides in overlapping groups. Each codon is distinct and independent.

A change in a single nucleotide within a gene can alter the amino acid sequence of a protein, potentially leading to a change in its function or even harm to the organism.

A type of RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosomes for protein synthesis.

A type of RNA molecule that forms part of the ribosomes, the sites of protein synthesis.

The study of how genes function and how mutations can lead to changes in the phenotype (observable characteristics) of organisms.