Bio 340 Exam Questions with Verified Correct
Answers
Gene expression
The process of using information in a gene to produce RNA or protein.
Transcription
Making RNA using DNA as a template.
Translation
Using mRNA to build a protein.
RNA polymerase
Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
Template strand
DNA strand read 3′ → 5′ to make complementary RNA.
Coding strand
DNA strand with the same sequence as RNA, except T replaces U.
Antiparallel
Two nucleic acid strands running in opposite directions.
5′ → 3′ synthesis
Direction in which new RNA nucleotides are added.
,N-terminus
Beginning of a protein, containing its first amino acid.
C-terminus
End of a protein where new amino acids are added.
Promoter
DNA sequence where transcription machinery assembles.
Transcription start site
DNA position where RNA synthesis begins.
Transcription initiation
Beginning of RNA synthesis.
Transcription elongation
Stage when RNA polymerase extends the RNA strand.
Transcription termination
Stage when RNA synthesis ends.
General transcription factors
Proteins that help RNA polymerase II initiate transcription.
TFIID
General transcription factor complex that helps recognize promoters.
, TBP (TATA-binding protein)
Part of TFIID that binds the TATA box.
TATA box
DNA promoter sequence recognized by TBP.
TFIIH
Transcription factor that helps unwind DNA and phosphorylates RNA polymerase II.
Sigma factor (σ)
Bacterial protein that helps RNA polymerase recognize promoters.
RNA polymerase I
Produces most ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes.
RNA polymerase II
Produces pre-mRNA from protein-coding genes.
RNA polymerase III
Produces tRNA, 5S rRNA, and some other small RNAs.
CTD (C-terminal domain)
Part of RNA polymerase II that helps recruit RNA-processing proteins.
Phosphorylation
Addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often changing protein activity.
Answers
Gene expression
The process of using information in a gene to produce RNA or protein.
Transcription
Making RNA using DNA as a template.
Translation
Using mRNA to build a protein.
RNA polymerase
Enzyme that synthesizes RNA from a DNA template.
Template strand
DNA strand read 3′ → 5′ to make complementary RNA.
Coding strand
DNA strand with the same sequence as RNA, except T replaces U.
Antiparallel
Two nucleic acid strands running in opposite directions.
5′ → 3′ synthesis
Direction in which new RNA nucleotides are added.
,N-terminus
Beginning of a protein, containing its first amino acid.
C-terminus
End of a protein where new amino acids are added.
Promoter
DNA sequence where transcription machinery assembles.
Transcription start site
DNA position where RNA synthesis begins.
Transcription initiation
Beginning of RNA synthesis.
Transcription elongation
Stage when RNA polymerase extends the RNA strand.
Transcription termination
Stage when RNA synthesis ends.
General transcription factors
Proteins that help RNA polymerase II initiate transcription.
TFIID
General transcription factor complex that helps recognize promoters.
, TBP (TATA-binding protein)
Part of TFIID that binds the TATA box.
TATA box
DNA promoter sequence recognized by TBP.
TFIIH
Transcription factor that helps unwind DNA and phosphorylates RNA polymerase II.
Sigma factor (σ)
Bacterial protein that helps RNA polymerase recognize promoters.
RNA polymerase I
Produces most ribosomal RNA in eukaryotes.
RNA polymerase II
Produces pre-mRNA from protein-coding genes.
RNA polymerase III
Produces tRNA, 5S rRNA, and some other small RNAs.
CTD (C-terminal domain)
Part of RNA polymerase II that helps recruit RNA-processing proteins.
Phosphorylation
Addition of a phosphate group to a molecule, often changing protein activity.
