Question 1

What is genetic code?

Accepted Answer

A set of rules that living cells use to translate information from genetic material (RNA, DNA) into proteins

Question 2

What is a codon?

Accepted Answer

A sequence of three nucleotides that make up a unit in the genetic code of RNA/DNA, and codes for a particular amino acid

(a series of codons make up the genetic code)

Question 3

What is a start codon?

Accepted Answer

The first codon of an mRNA transcript, which establishes the reading frame for protein formation

(most commonly AUG)

Question 4

What are stop codons?

Accepted Answer

Codons that stops protein formation machinery when it reaches these codons

(most commonly UGA, UAA, or UAG)

Question 5

What are the P site and the A site?

Accepted Answer

The P site is the host for the tRNA carrying the growing protein

The A site is where the tRNA carrying the next amino acid sits

(both are located in the ribosome)

Question 6

What is an anticodon?

Accepted Answer

A codon that is perfectly complementary to a particular codon

Pair with codons on a strand of mRNA during translation, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain

(AUU's anticodon is UAA)

Question 7

What is tRNA (transfer RNA)?

Accepted Answer

A type of RNA that helps decode an mRNA sequence into a protein

(carries amino acids to the ribosomes; contains an anticodon and an amino acid that matches with that anticodon)

Question 8

What is aminoacyl tRNA synthetase (tRNA ligase)?

Accepted Answer

An enzyme that attaches the appropriate amino acid to tRNA molecules

(after being attached, the tRNA leaves and incorporates that amino acid into the growing protein)

Question 9

What is "wobble" in RNA translation (wobble base pair)?

Accepted Answer

A phenomenon where uracil (U) can bind to adenine (A) or guanine (G), instead of just A

(allows the 45 types of tRNA molecules to service every type of codon seen in mRNA molecules)

RNA Translation, AP Biology Flashcards