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Study Guide - Topic 2 Transcription Translation

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15 views3 pages

Study Guide - Topic 2 Transcription Translation

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charidellozano19
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Study Guide: The Process of DNA Transcription

Objective:
Describing the process of DNA transcription

Overview
DNA transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA,
particularly mRNA, by the enzyme RNA polymerase. This is the first step in gene
expression, where the genetic code in DNA is used to produce proteins.

Key Concepts
1. Purpose of Transcription:
o To convert the genetic information in DNA into a complementary RNA
sequence.
o mRNA carries the code from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
2. Location:
o Occurs in the nucleus (in eukaryotic cells) or cytoplasm (in prokaryotic
cells).
3. Major Players:
o DNA Template Strand: The strand of DNA used as a guide for RNA
synthesis.
o RNA Polymerase: The enzyme that synthesizes RNA from the DNA
template.
o Promoter: A specific DNA sequence where RNA polymerase binds to
initiate transcription.
o Nucleotides: Building blocks of RNA (adenine (A), uracil (U), cytosine (C),
and guanine (G)).

Steps of Transcription
1. Initiation
 RNA Polymerase Binding: RNA polymerase binds to the promoter region of
the DNA, which signals the start of a gene.
 Unwinding DNA: The DNA strands unwind, exposing the template strand for
transcription.
2. Elongation
 RNA Synthesis: RNA polymerase moves along the template strand in the 3' to 5'
direction, synthesizing RNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
 Complementary Base Pairing: RNA nucleotides pair with their complementary
DNA bases:
o DNA A pairs with RNA U.
o DNA T pairs with RNA A.
o DNA G pairs with RNA C.
o DNA C pairs with RNA G.
 The RNA strand elongates as nucleotides are added.
3. Termination
 Termination Signal: RNA polymerase reaches a specific sequence on the DNA
(terminator), signaling the end of transcription.
 RNA Release: The newly formed RNA strand (pre-mRNA in eukaryotes or mRNA
in prokaryotes) detaches from the DNA.

Post-Transcriptional Modifications (Eukaryotes Only)


After transcription, the pre-mRNA undergoes processing to become mature mRNA:
1. 5' Capping: A modified guanine cap is added to the 5' end for stability and
ribosome binding.
2. Polyadenylation: A poly-A tail is added to the 3' end for protection and stability.
3. Splicing: Introns (non-coding regions) are removed, and exons (coding regions)
are joined together.

Diagram of Transcription (Optional Visual Aid)


1. DNA double helix unwinds.
2. RNA polymerase binds to the promoter.
3. RNA strand is synthesized complementary to the DNA template strand.
4. Termination and release of RNA.
Key Terms to Remember
 Promoter: Start site for transcription.
 Template Strand: DNA strand used for RNA synthesis.
 RNA Polymerase: Enzyme that creates RNA.
 Introns & Exons: Non-coding and coding regions of eukaryotic DNA.

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