Genes Make Proteins - Middle School Life Science
- What is the direct product made from the instructions in a gene?
- A protein (often built as a polypeptide chain). Genes code for proteins through transcription and translation.
- Which base is found in RNA instead of thymine (T)?
- Uracil (U). RNA uses U instead of T when pairing with A.
- What is the name of the process that uses mRNA to build a protein?
- Translation. Ribosomes translate mRNA codons into amino acid sequences.
- Identify the correct sequence of information flow for making a protein.
- DNA → mRNA → protein. Central dogma: genetic info flows from DNA to RNA to protein.
- What molecule stores genes in most organisms?
- DNA. Genes are segments of DNA molecules in the nucleus.
- What is a gene, in terms of its role in making proteins?
- A DNA segment that contains instructions for making a protein. Genes are specific DNA sequences that encode proteins.
- Identify the correct statement: Genes code for proteins or proteins code for genes?
- Genes code for proteins. Information flows from genes to proteins, not reverse.
- What is the name of the process that copies a gene's DNA into mRNA?
- Transcription. DNA is transcribed into mRNA in the nucleus.
- What is a gene in terms of its role in the cell?
- A segment of DNA that contains instructions to make a protein. Genes are specific DNA sequences that encode proteins.
- Which option best completes the sequence: DNA → ____ → protein?
- mRNA. mRNA is the intermediate between DNA and proteins.
- Which molecule carries a gene's message from the nucleus to a ribosome?
- mRNA (messenger RNA). mRNA is the messenger between DNA and ribosomes.
- Which monomers are linked together to build proteins?
- Amino acids. Proteins are polymers of amino acids joined by peptide bonds.
- What does gene expression mean in a cell?
- Using a gene's information to make its protein product. Cells activate specific genes to produce needed proteins.
- Which cellular structure reads genetic messages to assemble proteins?
- Ribosome. This organelle translates mRNA into proteins.
- What is the main reason different genes can produce different proteins?
- They have different DNA base sequences. Different sequences code for different amino acid orders.
- What is translation?
- Using mRNA to assemble amino acids into a protein. Ribosomes translate mRNA codons into amino acid chains.
- What is the relationship between codons and amino acids?
- Each codon specifies one amino acid (or a stop signal). The genetic code links triplet sequences to amino acids.
- Which molecule stores the genetic instructions for making proteins: DNA, lipid, or glucose?
- DNA. Only DNA contains genes with protein-making instructions.
- Choose the term that best matches: "instructions for traits" in a cell.
- Genes. Genes contain the coded instructions for inherited traits.
- What cell structure reads mRNA and assembles amino acids into a protein?
- A ribosome. Ribosomes are the protein synthesis machinery.
- Choose the best description of a protein's function: stores DNA or performs cell jobs?
- Performs cell jobs (structure, transport, enzymes, signaling). Proteins do work; DNA stores information.
- What is transcription?
- Copying a gene's DNA sequence into mRNA. DNA is transcribed to mRNA in the nucleus.
- How can a mutation in a gene affect an organism's traits?
- It can change the protein made, altering structure or function. Altered proteins may not function properly.
- What type of RNA carries the copied gene message from nucleus to ribosome?
- mRNA (messenger RNA). This RNA type carries genetic info from DNA to ribosomes.
- Which molecule is directly read by the ribosome: DNA or mRNA?
- mRNA. Ribosomes cannot read DNA directly, only RNA.
- What is a protein, in the context of gene instructions?
- A chain of amino acids built from genetic instructions. Genes specify the order of amino acids in proteins.
- What are proteins made of?
- Amino acids. Proteins are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
- Which RNA molecule matches anticodons to codons and brings amino acids to the ribosome?
- tRNA (transfer RNA). tRNA carries amino acids to match mRNA codons.
- What is an enzyme in terms of macromolecules and function?
- A protein that speeds up chemical reactions. Enzymes are catalytic proteins that lower activation energy.
- Which RNA type brings specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation?
- tRNA (transfer RNA). Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid to match codons.
- What is a mutation, in the context of genes and proteins?
- A change in a gene's DNA sequence. Mutations alter genetic instructions for proteins.
- If a gene's DNA sequence changes, what is the most likely effect on the protein?
- The amino acid sequence may change. DNA changes alter the protein's primary structure.
- What is a codon?
- A three-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid. Three RNA bases form one unit of the genetic code.
- Identify the molecule that directly determines the order of amino acids in a protein during translation.
- mRNA codons. Codons are read sequentially to build proteins.
- What is a codon?
- A 3-nucleotide sequence on mRNA that codes for an amino acid or stop. Each codon specifies one amino acid or signals stop.
- What does it mean when two cells have the same DNA but different proteins?
- Different genes are being expressed in each cell. Cells control which genes are turned on or off.
- Identify the correct order of processes for gene expression: translation or transcription first?
- Transcription first, then translation. DNA must be transcribed before it can be translated.
- Which option best defines a mutation: a change in DNA sequence or a change in amino acid type?
- A change in DNA sequence. Mutations alter genetic code, not just amino acids.