RiboNucleic Acid is used as a messenger, a transcriber, and a builder in order to read the instruction stored in genes and create the proteins that express our traits that make each one of us so unique. (RNA's Role in the Central Dogma)
Transcription
During transcription, mRNA is created when RNA Polymerase reads the DNA and builds a complementary RNA strand. DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so it must "transcribe a message" that is small enough (single stranded) to send outside the nucleus.
During transcription, mRNA is created when RNA Polymerase reads the DNA and builds a complementary RNA strand. DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, so it must "transcribe a message" that is small enough (single stranded) to send outside the nucleus.
Translation
Once created, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to a ribosome. At the ribosome, the anticodon on each tRNA matches up with each codon on mRNA, bringing with them the amino acid that is coded for on mRNA. These amino acids are linked together to form a protein. Once the tRNA has transferred the amino acid, it goes back through the cytoplasm to find more.
Once created, the mRNA leaves the nucleus and goes to a ribosome. At the ribosome, the anticodon on each tRNA matches up with each codon on mRNA, bringing with them the amino acid that is coded for on mRNA. These amino acids are linked together to form a protein. Once the tRNA has transferred the amino acid, it goes back through the cytoplasm to find more.
Need practice with Transciption and Translation?
Try this online activity.
Try this online activity.
Understand the processes but mixing up the words? Remember "C" comes before "L" in the alphabet, so transcription comes before translation
Point Mutations
A mutation in which a single nucleotide is affected is called a point mutation.
A mutation in which a single nucleotide is affected is called a point mutation.
Frameshift Mutation
If a base is inserted or deleted, changing the total number of bases on the DNA strand, every amino acid from the point of the mutation on will be wrong. This will result in a completely different protein. If a person is dependent on that protein, it could lead to a disorder or illness.
If a base is inserted or deleted, changing the total number of bases on the DNA strand, every amino acid from the point of the mutation on will be wrong. This will result in a completely different protein. If a person is dependent on that protein, it could lead to a disorder or illness.
Play this DNA, RNA, and Mutations Jeopardy to study