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Transcription and Translation Overview

Jun 2, 2025

Lecture Notes: Transcription and Translation

Key Concepts

What is Transcription?

  • Transcription is the process by which mRNA is made from DNA.
  • Takes place in the nucleus.
  • Converts DNA into mRNA.

What is Translation?

  • Translation is the process of converting mRNA into a protein.
  • Takes place in the cytoplasm.

Important Elements

mRNA

  • Carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes.
  • Made during transcription.
  • Found in the nucleus and moves to the cytoplasm.

tRNA

  • Used in translation.
  • Uses anticodons to match to the mRNA.
  • Attaches amino acids into a chain.
  • Found in the cytoplasm.

rRNA

  • Makes up the ribosome.

Amino Acids

  • Make up proteins.

Additional Details

  • RNA uses uracil instead of thymine (found in DNA).
  • RNA can leave the nucleus, unlike DNA.
  • Proteins are made at the ribosome.

Practice Questions and Answers

  1. mRNA is made during (transcription/translation): Transcription
  2. mRNA is made in the (cytoplasm/nucleus): Nucleus
  3. DNA is located in the (nucleus/cytoplasm): Nucleus
  4. (mRNA/rRNA) is used to carry the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes: mRNA
  5. (tRNA/rRNA) makes up the ribosome: rRNA
  6. (DNA/RNA) uses uracil instead of thymine: RNA
  7. (RNA/amino) acids make up a protein: Amino
  8. Transcription takes place in the (nucleus/cytoplasm): Nucleus
  9. tRNA is used in (translation/transcription): Translation
  10. tRNA uses (anticodons/codons) to match to the mRNA: Anticodons
  11. Proteins are made at the (nucleus/ribosome): Ribosome
  12. (tRNA/mRNA) attaches the amino acids into a chain: tRNA
  13. tRNA is found in the (nucleus/cytoplasm): Cytoplasm
  14. (Translation/Transcription) converts mRNA into a protein: Translation
  15. Translation takes place in the (cytoplasm/nucleus): Cytoplasm
  16. (DNA/RNA) can leave the nucleus: RNA
  17. (Translation/Transcription) converts DNA into mRNA: Transcription