DNA, Protein Synthesis, & Mutations

Front

What is DNA?

Back

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the molecule that carries the genetic instructions for life. It is composed of two strands that coil around each other to form a double helix.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

Front

How many nucleotides are in a codon?

Back

Three nucleotides.

Front

What is an anticodon?

Back

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a codon in mRNA, allowing for the correct amino acid to be added during protein synthesis.

Front

What is a mutation?

Back

A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence that can lead to changes in the structure and function of proteins.

Front

What are the types of mutations?

Back

The main types of mutations are substitution, deletion, insertion, and frameshift mutations.

Front

What is a substitution mutation?

Back

A substitution mutation occurs when one nucleotide in the DNA sequence is replaced by another, potentially altering the corresponding amino acid.

Front

What is the start codon for protein synthesis?

Back

The start codon is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine and signals the beginning of translation.

Front

What is the significance of the stop codons?

Back

Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the end of protein synthesis, indicating that the ribosome should release the newly formed polypeptide.