Transcription and Translation (Protein Synthesis)

Front

What is transcription?

Back

Transcription is the process of copying a segment of DNA into RNA, specifically mRNA, which carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.

Front

What is translation?

Back

Translation is the process where the mRNA is decoded by ribosomes to synthesize proteins, using the sequence of codons to determine the order of amino acids.

Front

What is the role of mRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized.

Front

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

Back

tRNA (transfer RNA) brings the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching its anticodon with the codon on the mRNA.

Front

What is the role of rRNA in protein synthesis?

Back

rRNA (ribosomal RNA) is a component of ribosomes and helps to read and decode the mRNA during translation.

Front

What is a codon?

Back

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

Front

What is the start codon?

Back

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

Front

What is a stop codon?

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A stop codon is a codon that signals the termination of protein synthesis; examples include UAA, UAG, and UGA.

Front

What is the difference between transcription and translation?

Back

Transcription is the process of synthesizing RNA from DNA, while translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Front

What is the significance of the genetic code?

Back

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA is translated into the sequence of amino acids in proteins.