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This deck focuses on Describe Translation And Protein Assembly, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for Biology.
Biology Flashcards: Describe Translation And Protein Assembly
Study Describe Translation And Protein Assembly in Biology with focused flashcards that help you recognize the idea, recall the key rule, and apply it in practice-style prompts.
Biology
Describe Translation And Protein Assembly
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What type of proteins are typically made on free ribosomes?
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ANSWER
Proteins that function in the cytosol or certain organelles. Lack targeting signals so remain in cytoplasmic location.
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Flashcard 1: What type of proteins are typically made on free ribosomes?
Answer: Proteins that function in the cytosol or certain organelles. Lack targeting signals so remain in cytoplasmic location.
Flashcard 2: What are the three main stages of translation?
Answer: Initiation, elongation, termination. Sequential phases that complete protein synthesis from start to finish.
Flashcard 3: In what direction is a polypeptide synthesized (from which end to which end)?
Answer: From N-terminus to C-terminus. Standard direction for all protein synthesis in cells.
Flashcard 4: What molecule binds a stop codon in the A site to end translation?
Answer: Release factor. Protein that recognizes stop signals and ends translation.
Flashcard 5: What is wobble base pairing?
Answer: Flexible pairing at the third codon position allowing one tRNA to read multiple codons. Explains how fewer tRNAs can read all 61 codons.
Flashcard 6: Identify the start codon among these options: UAA, AUG, UAG.
Answer: AUG. AUG is the universal initiation codon for protein synthesis.
Flashcard 7: What are the three stop codons in mRNA?
Answer: UAA, UAG, UGA. Three nonsense codons that terminate protein synthesis.
Flashcard 8: What is translocation in translation?
Answer: Ribosome shifts one codon; tRNAs move A→P and P→E. Coordinated movement that advances translation by one codon.
Flashcard 9: What is translation in gene expression?
Answer: Protein synthesis from an mRNA template at a ribosome. Converts mRNA genetic code into functional protein sequences.
Flashcard 10: What is a signal peptide in protein targeting?
Answer: An N-terminal amino acid sequence that directs a protein to a destination. Molecular zip code that directs protein to correct location.
Flashcard 11: What are the three ribosomal tRNA binding sites?
Answer: A site, P site, E site. Sequential sites where tRNAs move during translation cycle.
Flashcard 12: What is the start codon, and what amino acid does it specify?
Answer: AUG; methionine (Met). Universal signal that begins protein synthesis in all organisms.
Flashcard 13: Which RNA molecule forms the core of the ribosome and catalyzes key steps?
Answer: rRNA. Ribozyme that performs the key catalytic functions of translation.
Flashcard 14: What is a signal peptide in protein targeting?
Answer: An N-terminal amino acid sequence that directs a protein to a destination. Molecular zip code that directs protein to correct location.
Flashcard 15: What is an anticodon?
Answer: A 3-nucleotide tRNA sequence complementary to an mRNA codon. Ensures correct amino acid placement through base pairing rules.
Flashcard 16: What are the three main stages of translation?
Answer: Initiation, elongation, termination. Sequential phases that complete protein synthesis from start to finish.
Flashcard 17: What is wobble base pairing?
Answer: Flexible pairing at the third codon position allowing one tRNA to read multiple codons. Explains how fewer tRNAs can read all 61 codons.
Flashcard 18: What is the "reading frame" in translation?
Answer: The grouping of mRNA nucleotides into consecutive codons. Critical for maintaining proper codon-amino acid correspondence.
Flashcard 19: What is translocation in translation?
Answer: Ribosome shifts one codon; tRNAs move A→P and P→E. Coordinated movement that advances translation by one codon.
Flashcard 20: Which option is the correct direction of polypeptide growth: C→N or N→C?
Answer: N→C. Amino acids add to carboxyl end of growing chain.
Flashcard 21: What is the role of mRNA during translation?
Answer: Provides codons that specify the amino acid sequence. Acts as template containing genetic instructions for protein assembly.
Flashcard 22: What happens at the P site of the ribosome?
Answer: tRNA holds the growing polypeptide chain. Central position where the growing protein chain is held.
Flashcard 23: What is the role of tRNA in translation?
Answer: Delivers a specific amino acid and matches anticodon to codon. Transfer molecule that brings correct amino acids to ribosome.
Flashcard 24: What is the start codon, and what amino acid does it specify?
Answer: AUG; methionine (Met). Universal signal that begins protein synthesis in all organisms.
Flashcard 25: What is a codon chart used for?
Answer: To determine the amino acid specified by an mRNA codon. Reference tool that decodes mRNA sequences into amino acids.
Flashcard 26: Which option correctly describes tRNA charging: ribosome attaches amino acids, or aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase attaches amino acids?
Answer: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase attaches amino acids. Specific enzymes ensure accuracy in amino acid attachment.
Flashcard 27: What are the two ribosomal subunits called in prokaryotes?
Answer: Large and small subunits (50S and 30S). Smaller numbers reflect simpler prokaryotic ribosome structure.
Flashcard 28: What is released from the ribosome at translation termination?
Answer: The completed polypeptide chain. Final protein product that can fold and become functional.
Flashcard 29: What enzyme charges a tRNA with its correct amino acid?
Answer: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. Ensures accuracy by matching specific tRNAs with their amino acids.
Flashcard 30: In what direction is a polypeptide synthesized (from which end to which end)?
Answer: From N-terminus to C-terminus. Standard direction for all protein synthesis in cells.
Flashcard 31: What is an anticodon?
Answer: A 3-nucleotide tRNA sequence complementary to an mRNA codon. Ensures correct amino acid placement through base pairing rules.
Flashcard 32: What ribosomal activity catalyzes peptide bond formation?
Answer: Peptidyl transferase activity of rRNA (a ribozyme). Ribosomal RNA acts as enzyme to form protein bonds.
Flashcard 33: Which ribosomal site first binds the initiator tRNA during initiation?
Answer: P site. Initial binding site where protein synthesis begins.
Flashcard 34: What is the "reading frame" in translation?
Answer: The grouping of mRNA nucleotides into consecutive codons. Critical for maintaining proper codon-amino acid correspondence.
Flashcard 35: Identify the stop codon among these options: AUG, UGA, UGG.
Answer: UGA. UGA is one of three universal stop codons.
Flashcard 36: What happens at the A site of the ribosome?
Answer: Incoming aminoacyl-tRNA binds the next codon. Entry point for new amino acids during protein elongation.
Flashcard 37: In what direction does the ribosome move along the mRNA?
Answer: From 5′ to 3′. Directional movement ensures proper codon reading sequence.
Flashcard 38: What are the two ribosomal subunits called in eukaryotes?
Answer: Large and small subunits (60S and 40S). Larger numbers indicate greater complexity in eukaryotic ribosomes.
Flashcard 39: What is the key difference between free ribosomes and rough ER-bound ribosomes?
Answer: They are identical; location determines protein destination. Ribosome location, not structure, determines protein destination.
Flashcard 40: What is meant by the genetic code being "nearly universal"?
Answer: Codon meanings are shared by most organisms. Demonstrates common evolutionary origin of life on Earth.
Flashcard 41: What happens at the E site of the ribosome?
Answer: Deacylated tRNA exits the ribosome. Final position before tRNA leaves the ribosome completely.
Flashcard 42: What is a codon?
Answer: A 3-nucleotide mRNA sequence that specifies an amino acid or stop. Basic unit of genetic code that determines protein sequence.
Flashcard 43: What is the maximum number of amino acids in a peptide translated from an mRNA of 300 nucleotides (ignore UTRs)?
Answer: 100 amino acids. Each codon specifies one amino acid; 300÷3=100.
Flashcard 44: What type of proteins are typically made on free ribosomes?
Answer: Proteins that function in the cytosol or certain organelles. Lack targeting signals so remain in cytoplasmic location.
Flashcard 45: What event defines elongation during translation?
Answer: Repeated codon recognition, peptide bond formation, and translocation. Cyclical process that adds amino acids to growing protein.
Flashcard 46: What are the two ribosomal subunits called in eukaryotes?
Answer: Large and small subunits (60S and 40S). Larger numbers indicate greater complexity in eukaryotic ribosomes.
Flashcard 47: Identify the correct anticodon for the mRNA codon 5′-GGC-3′ (write 3′-...-5′).
Answer: 3′-CCG-5′. G pairs with C in complementary base pairing.
Flashcard 48: What cellular structure is the site of translation?
Answer: Ribosome (free in cytosol or bound to rough ER). Large protein-RNA complex that reads mRNA and assembles amino acids.
Flashcard 49: Identify the correct anticodon for the mRNA codon 5′-AUG-3′ (write 3′-...-5′).
Answer: 3′-UAC-5′. Anticodons pair with codons in antiparallel, complementary fashion.
Flashcard 50: Identify the correct anticodon for the mRNA codon 5′-UUU-3′ (write 3′-...-5′).
Answer: 3′-AAA-5′. U pairs with A following standard base pairing rules.
Flashcard 51: What type of proteins are typically made on rough ER-bound ribosomes?
Answer: Secreted, membrane, or lysosomal proteins. Signal sequences direct these proteins to ER during synthesis.
Flashcard 52: Which option correctly describes tRNA charging: ribosome attaches amino acids, or aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase attaches amino acids?
Answer: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase attaches amino acids. Specific enzymes ensure accuracy in amino acid attachment.
Flashcard 53: What bond links amino acids together during translation?
Answer: Peptide bond. Covalent bond that creates the protein backbone structure.
Flashcard 54: Identify the correct anticodon for the mRNA codon 5′-UUU-3′ (write 3′-...-5′).
Answer: 3′-AAA-5′. U pairs with A following standard base pairing rules.
Flashcard 55: Identify the start codon among these options: UAA, AUG, UAG.
Answer: AUG. AUG is the universal initiation codon for protein synthesis.
Flashcard 56: Which cellular location is typical for translation in prokaryotes?
Answer: Cytosol (often coupled to transcription). No nuclear separation allows immediate translation of mRNA.
Flashcard 57: What is released from the ribosome at translation termination?
Answer: The completed polypeptide chain. Final protein product that can fold and become functional.
Flashcard 58: What is the product called when a tRNA is attached to its amino acid?
Answer: Aminoacyl-tRNA (charged tRNA). Ready-to-use tRNA that can participate in protein synthesis.
Flashcard 59: What is the key difference between free ribosomes and rough ER-bound ribosomes?
Answer: They are identical; location determines protein destination. Ribosome location, not structure, determines protein destination.
Flashcard 60: What is the genetic code described as "degenerate"?
Answer: Most amino acids are specified by more than one codon. Redundancy provides protection against harmful mutations.
Flashcard 61: What event defines elongation during translation?
Answer: Repeated codon recognition, peptide bond formation, and translocation. Cyclical process that adds amino acids to growing protein.
Flashcard 62: Which option is the correct direction for ribosome movement: 3'\to^5' or 5'\to^3'?
Answer: 5'\to^3'. Ribosome reads mRNA template in this standard direction.
Flashcard 63: Which option is the correct direction of polypeptide growth: C→N or N→C?
Answer: N→C. Amino acids add to carboxyl end of growing chain.
Flashcard 64: What is the maximum number of codons in an mRNA region that is 90 nucleotides long?
Answer: 30 codons. Three nucleotides form one codon; 90÷3=30.
Flashcard 65: What is a codon chart used for?
Answer: To determine the amino acid specified by an mRNA codon. Reference tool that decodes mRNA sequences into amino acids.
Flashcard 66: What is a codon?
Answer: A 3-nucleotide mRNA sequence that specifies an amino acid or stop. Basic unit of genetic code that determines protein sequence.
Flashcard 67: What type of proteins are typically made on rough ER-bound ribosomes?
Answer: Secreted, membrane, or lysosomal proteins. Signal sequences direct these proteins to ER during synthesis.
Flashcard 68: What happens at the A site of the ribosome?
Answer: Incoming aminoacyl-tRNA binds the next codon. Entry point for new amino acids during protein elongation.
Flashcard 69: What is the role of tRNA in translation?
Answer: Delivers a specific amino acid and matches anticodon to codon. Transfer molecule that brings correct amino acids to ribosome.
Flashcard 70: Which cellular location is typical for translation in prokaryotes?
Answer: Cytosol (often coupled to transcription). No nuclear separation allows immediate translation of mRNA.
Flashcard 71: Identify the correct anticodon for the mRNA codon 5′-AUG-3′ (write 3′-...-5′).
Answer: 3′-UAC-5′. Anticodons pair with codons in antiparallel, complementary fashion.
Flashcard 72: What is the role of mRNA during translation?
Answer: Provides codons that specify the amino acid sequence. Acts as template containing genetic instructions for protein assembly.
Flashcard 73: Which option is the correct direction for ribosome movement: 3'\to^5' or 5'\to^3'?
Answer: 5'\to^3'. Ribosome reads mRNA template in this standard direction.
Flashcard 74: What is the role of the signal recognition particle (SRP)?
Answer: Binds signal peptide and directs ribosome to the rough ER. Recognizes signal sequences and guides ribosome to ER.
Flashcard 75: Which RNA molecule forms the core of the ribosome and catalyzes key steps?
Answer: rRNA. Ribozyme that performs the key catalytic functions of translation.
Flashcard 76: Which ribosomal site first binds the initiator tRNA during initiation?
Answer: P site. Initial binding site where protein synthesis begins.
Flashcard 77: What ribosomal activity catalyzes peptide bond formation?
Answer: Peptidyl transferase activity of rRNA (a ribozyme). Ribosomal RNA acts as enzyme to form protein bonds.
Flashcard 78: What is the genetic code described as "degenerate"?
Answer: Most amino acids are specified by more than one codon. Redundancy provides protection against harmful mutations.
Flashcard 79: What are the three stop codons in mRNA?
Answer: UAA, UAG, UGA. Three nonsense codons that terminate protein synthesis.
Flashcard 80: What is translation in gene expression?
Answer: Protein synthesis from an mRNA template at a ribosome. Converts mRNA genetic code into functional protein sequences.
Flashcard 81: What cellular structure is the site of translation?
Answer: Ribosome (free in cytosol or bound to rough ER). Large protein-RNA complex that reads mRNA and assembles amino acids.
Flashcard 82: Identify the stop codon among these options: AUG, UGA, UGG.
Answer: UGA. UGA is one of three universal stop codons.
Flashcard 83: What happens at the E site of the ribosome?
Answer: Deacylated tRNA exits the ribosome. Final position before tRNA leaves the ribosome completely.
Flashcard 84: What is the maximum number of codons in an mRNA region that is 90 nucleotides long?
Answer: 30 codons. Three nucleotides form one codon; 90÷3=30.
Flashcard 85: In what direction does the ribosome move along the mRNA?
Answer: From 5′ to 3′. Directional movement ensures proper codon reading sequence.
Flashcard 86: What bond links amino acids together during translation?
Answer: Peptide bond. Covalent bond that creates the protein backbone structure.
Flashcard 87: What is the product called when a tRNA is attached to its amino acid?
Answer: Aminoacyl-tRNA (charged tRNA). Ready-to-use tRNA that can participate in protein synthesis.
Flashcard 88: What happens at the P site of the ribosome?
Answer: tRNA holds the growing polypeptide chain. Central position where the growing protein chain is held.
Flashcard 89: Which cellular location is typical for translation in eukaryotes?
Answer: Cytosol or on ribosomes bound to rough ER. Nuclear separation requires mRNA export before translation begins.
Flashcard 90: Identify the correct statement: Stop codons code amino acids, or stop codons recruit release factors.
Answer: Stop codons recruit release factors. Stop codons signal termination, not amino acid incorporation.
Flashcard 91: What type of codons signal termination of translation?
Answer: Stop codons. Special codons that halt protein synthesis when reached.
Flashcard 92: What are the two ribosomal subunits called in prokaryotes?
Answer: Large and small subunits (50S and 30S). Smaller numbers reflect simpler prokaryotic ribosome structure.
Flashcard 93: What molecule binds a stop codon in the A site to end translation?
Answer: Release factor. Protein that recognizes stop signals and ends translation.
Flashcard 94: What is meant by the genetic code being "nearly universal"?
Answer: Codon meanings are shared by most organisms. Demonstrates common evolutionary origin of life on Earth.
Flashcard 95: What is a polysome (polyribosome)?
Answer: Multiple ribosomes translating the same mRNA simultaneously. Efficient system that produces multiple proteins from one mRNA.
Flashcard 96: What type of codons signal termination of translation?
Answer: Stop codons. Special codons that halt protein synthesis when reached.
Flashcard 97: What are the three ribosomal tRNA binding sites?
Answer: A site, P site, E site. Sequential sites where tRNAs move during translation cycle.
Flashcard 98: Which cellular location is typical for translation in eukaryotes?
Answer: Cytosol or on ribosomes bound to rough ER. Nuclear separation requires mRNA export before translation begins.