3. Cellular Genetics
3.2. Transcription
Text
Proteins
Proteins are very large molecules (macromolecules).
Model of an enzyme, alcohol dehydrogenase.
Proteins are made of amino acids.
Proteins are long chains of amino acids linked together.
The DNA molecule and proteins
The DNA molecules has two functions:
- Contains "recipes" for proteins.
- Transfers the genetic material to the next generation.
This is sometimes called the central dogma of molecular genetics.
Concept map of the central dogma of molecular genetics.
A certain segment of a DNA molecule, that contains a "recipe" for a protein is called a gene. The "recipe" consists of a code of nucleobases. This is why we say that a gene codes for a certain protein.
Genes code for proteins.
The transcription
The code in the DNA molecule is rewritten (transcribed) as RNA.
- RNA polymerase synthesizes the RNA
The RNA polymerase forms a transcription bubble together with the DNA molecule.
When the RNA is synthesized, the nucleobases pair with each other.
RNA synthesis.
Base pairing
In RNA, uracil (U) instead of thymine (T) pairs with adenine (A).
| DNA | Pairs with in RNA |
| A | U |
| T | A |
| C | G |
| G | C |
Next step(s)
- RNA molecule matures (splicing).
- Translation.
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Contents
- 1. The Fundamentals of Life
- 2. Cellular Structure and Function
- 3. Cellular Genetics
- 4. Mendelian Genetics
- 5. Evolution and Systematics
- 5.1. Roadmap to a Theory of Evolution
- 5.2. The Pillars of Evolution
- 5.3. Evidence for Evolution
- 5.4. Convergent and Divergent Evolution
- 5.5. Coevolution
- 5.6. Stabilizing and Disruptive Selection
- 5.7. Speciation
- 5.8. How to Build a Family Tree
- 5.9. The History of Life
- 5.10. The Formation of Life
- 5.11. The Divisions of Life
- 5.12. Plant Systematics
- 5.13. Animal Systematics
- 5.14. Chordate Systematics
- 5.15. Human Evolution
- 6. Ethology and Behavioural Ecology
- 7. Ecology: Systems of Organisms
- 7.1. Ecosystems
- 7.2. Nutritional Chains and Food Webs
- 7.3. Flow of Energy in an Ecosystem
- 7.4. The Water Cycle
- 7.5. The Carbon Cycle
- 7.6. The Nitrogen Cycle
- 7.7. The Phosphorous Cycle
- 7.8. Populations: Size and Growth
- 7.9. Communities. Living Together
- 7.10. Ecological Succession
- 7.11. From Bedrock to Litter
- 7.12. The Lakes
- 7.13. The Oceans and Seas
- 7.14. Climate and Biomes
- 8. Environmental Science
- 9. Viruses and Biotechnology
- 10. Plant & Fungal Physiology
- 10.1. The Organs of the Plants
- 10.2. Plants With and Without Seeds
- 10.3. The Root. How the Plant Absorbs Water and Nutrients
- 10.4. The Trunk and Water Transport
- 10.5. Structure and Function of the Leaf
- 10.6. Photosynthesis
- 10.7. How Plants Grow
- 10.8. How Plants Reproduce
- 10.9. Classification of the Fungi
- 10.10. How Fungi Reproduce
- 10.11. Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
- 11. Human Physiology
- 11.1. Physiology Basics
- 11.2. The Nervous System
- 11.3. The Senses
- 11.4. The Endocrine System
- 11.5. Food and Digestion
- 11.6. The Locomotor System
- 11.7. Gas Exchange and Circulation
- 11.7.1. Respirational Systems
- 11.7.2. Human Respiration
- 11.7.3. Circulation in Different Animals
- 11.7.4. The Human Circulatory System. Heart, Blood Vessels and Blood Pressure
- 11.7.5. Activity in the Capillaries
- 11.7.6. Blood Constituents
- 11.7.7. Blood Groups
- 11.7.8. Coagulation
- 11.7.9. Some Blood Diseases
- 11.7.10. Water Balance. Kidneys
- 11.8. The Immune System
- 11.9. Sex, Love, and STDs