Protein Synthesis and Mutations

Front

What is protein synthesis?

Back

The process by which cells generate new proteins, involving transcription of DNA to mRNA and translation of mRNA to amino acids.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in protein structure and function.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A type of mutation where one base pair in the DNA sequence is replaced by another.

Front

What is a point mutation?

Back

A mutation that affects a single nucleotide, which can be a substitution, insertion, or deletion.

Front

What is a gene?

Back

A segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a specific protein.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.

Front

What amino acid is represented by the codon UUA?

Back

Leucine.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine, while RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil.

Front

What is a frameshift mutation?

Back

A mutation caused by insertions or deletions that shift the reading frame of the genetic code.