RNA and Protein Synthesis Chapter 13
What does DNA code for and how is the code read?
Differences Between RNA and DNA (3)
Types of RNA mRNA- carries coded instructions for polypeptide (protein) synthesis from nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm. rRNA- part of the subunits of ribosomes. tRNA- carries amino acids to the ribosome and matches them to the coded mRNA message.
Transcription DNA segments are used as templates to produce complementary mRNA strands. Enzyme: RNA polymerase Sample transcription sequence- pg. 367
How RNA Polymerase Works The enzyme binds only to promoters, or regions of DNA with specific base sequences. This enables RNA polymerase to know where to start transcription.
Introns and Exons Not all of the new RNA sequence is needed. The needed parts are called exons. The not needed parts are called introns. The introns are removed and the exons are then spliced back together to form the final mRNA strand.
The Genetic Code The transcribed mRNA sequence contains a code for making proteins. Proteins are made by joining amino acids (20 exist) together into long chains called polypeptides. The amino acid sequence determines the properties of a protein, such as its shape and function.
Protein Review
Codons The genetic code is read three letters at a time so that each word (called a codon) that is three bases long corresponds to a single amino acid. 64 possibilities
How To Read Codons- pg. 367
Start and Stop Codons Start: Stop:
Translation The decoding of mRNA message into a protein on ribosomes.
Steps in Translation Initiation
Steps in Translation 2. Elongation
Steps in Translation 3. Termination
The “Central Dogma” of Molecular Biology Information is transferred from DNA to RNA to protein. (gene expression)
Mutations Heritable changes in genetic information.
Point Mutations Change in one nucleotide (substitution).
Frameshift Mutations Shifts the “reading frame” of the genetic message (deletion and insertion).
Types of Mutations
Chromosomal Mutations Changes in the number or structure of chromosomes.
Causes of Mutations Errors in genetic processes Stressful environmental conditions Mutagens
Harmful Effects of Mutations Most harmful mutations dramatically change protein structure or gene activity. Ex: sickle cell anemia
Beneficial Effects of Mutations Mutations that produce proteins with new or altered functions that are useful to organisms in different or changing environments. Evolution (genetic variability) Example: polyploidy