Biology Flashcards: Describe Transcription Process

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Describe Transcription Process, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Biology.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: Identify the correct mRNA base added opposite a DNA template base $T$.

Answer: A. Complementary base pairing during transcription process.

Flashcard 2: How does alternative splicing affect protein synthesis?

Answer: It allows one gene to produce multiple protein variants. Increases protein diversity from limited number of genes.

Flashcard 3: What is an intron?

Answer: A noncoding RNA segment removed from pre-mRNA. Non-coding sequences removed during RNA processing.

Flashcard 4: What is the main function of the $5'$ cap on eukaryotic mRNA?

Answer: Protects mRNA and helps ribosome binding for translation. Essential for mRNA stability and efficient translation initiation.

Flashcard 5: Which molecule binds the promoter first in eukaryotes to help recruit RNA polymerase II?

Answer: General transcription factors. Required proteins that assemble at promoter before RNA polymerase.

Flashcard 6: What modification is added to the $3'$ end of eukaryotic pre-mRNA?

Answer: A poly-$A$ tail. Adenine nucleotides added to protect and stabilize mRNA.

Flashcard 7: What modification is added to the $5'$ end of eukaryotic pre-mRNA?

Answer: A $5'$ cap (modified guanine nucleotide). Protective modification enhancing mRNA stability and function.

Flashcard 8: What is RNA processing in eukaryotes?

Answer: Modification of pre-mRNA to produce mature mRNA. Post-transcriptional modifications prepare RNA for translation.

Flashcard 9: What is the function of rRNA in relation to an mRNA transcript?

Answer: It forms ribosomes and catalyzes peptide bond formation. Ribosomal RNA provides structure and catalytic function for translation.

Flashcard 10: What is the function of tRNA in relation to an mRNA transcript?

Answer: It matches anticodons to codons and delivers amino acids. Transfer RNA bridges mRNA codons with specific amino acids.

Flashcard 11: What is transcription in the context of gene expression and protein synthesis?

Answer: Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template by RNA polymerase. First step of gene expression, creating RNA copy of DNA.

Flashcard 12: Which RNA type directly serves as the template for translation?

Answer: mRNA. Messenger RNA carries genetic information to translation sites.

Flashcard 13: What is an intron?

Answer: A noncoding RNA segment removed from pre-mRNA. Non-coding sequences removed during RNA processing.

Flashcard 14: What is RNA splicing?

Answer: Removal of introns and joining of exons in pre-mRNA. Processing step that removes introns from pre-mRNA.

Flashcard 15: Which base in RNA pairs with guanine ($G$) on the DNA template during transcription?

Answer: Cytosine ($C$). Standard Watson-Crick base pairing rule for transcription.

Flashcard 16: In which direction does RNA polymerase read the DNA template strand?

Answer: In the $3'\rightarrow 5'$ direction. Template is read in opposite direction to RNA synthesis.

Flashcard 17: What is the role of a promoter in transcription?

Answer: DNA site where RNA polymerase binds to start transcription. Initiates transcription by providing binding site for polymerase.

Flashcard 18: Which codon is the typical start codon on mRNA?

Answer: AUG. Universal start signal for protein synthesis initiation.

Flashcard 19: What is the main function of the poly-$A$ tail on eukaryotic mRNA?

Answer: Increases mRNA stability and aids nuclear export. Prevents degradation and facilitates nuclear export of mRNA.

Flashcard 20: What is the primary product of transcription for a protein-coding gene in eukaryotes?

Answer: Pre-mRNA (primary RNA transcript). Eukaryotes produce unprocessed RNA that requires modification.

Flashcard 21: What is an exon?

Answer: A coding RNA segment retained in mature mRNA. Protein-coding sequences that remain in mature mRNA.

Flashcard 22: Which codons function as stop codons on mRNA?

Answer: UAA, UAG, UGA. Three codons that signal termination of protein synthesis.

Flashcard 23: What is the template strand of DNA in transcription?

Answer: The DNA strand read by RNA polymerase to build complementary RNA. Serves as the blueprint for RNA sequence synthesis.

Flashcard 24: What is the primary product of transcription for a protein-coding gene in prokaryotes?

Answer: mRNA. Prokaryotes lack RNA processing, making mature mRNA directly.

Flashcard 25: Which base in RNA pairs with cytosine ($C$) on the DNA template during transcription?

Answer: Guanine ($G$). Standard Watson-Crick base pairing rule for transcription.

Flashcard 26: Which base in RNA pairs with thymine ($T$) on the DNA template during transcription?

Answer: Adenine ($A$). Standard Watson-Crick base pairing rule for transcription.

Flashcard 27: Identify the correct mRNA base added opposite a DNA template base $C$.

Answer: G. Watson-Crick base pairing rules for transcription.

Flashcard 28: In which direction does RNA polymerase synthesize RNA?

Answer: In the $5'\rightarrow 3'$ direction. RNA is always synthesized from $5'$ to $3'$ end.

Flashcard 29: Which statement best distinguishes transcription from translation?

Answer: Transcription makes RNA from DNA; translation makes protein from mRNA. Transcription and translation are distinct molecular processes.

Flashcard 30: Which option best describes how prokaryotes link transcription and translation?

Answer: They can occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm. Prokaryotic coupling allows immediate translation of nascent mRNA.