Updated DNA Vocabulary

Front

What is mRNA?

Back

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

Front

What is the process of transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into mRNA. It occurs in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Front

What is the process of translation?

Back

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information carried by mRNA.

Front

What are codons?

Back

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis.

Front

What is the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins, consisting of 64 codons.

Front

What is an amino acid?

Back

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids.

Front

What is the role of ribosomes in protein synthesis?

Back

Ribosomes are cellular structures that facilitate the translation of mRNA into proteins by linking amino acids together.

Front

What is the significance of the start codon?

Back

The start codon (AUG) signals the beginning of translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.

Front

What is the significance of the stop codon?

Back

Stop codons (UAA, UAG, UGA) signal the termination of protein synthesis, indicating that the polypeptide chain is complete.

Front

What is the difference between DNA and RNA?

Back

DNA is double-stranded and contains deoxyribose sugar, while RNA is single-stranded and contains ribose sugar.