INQUIRY Q3

mRNA copies DNA’s code and carries the genetic information to the ribosomes. * Long single straight chain of nucleotides, of 500 to 1000 nucleotides long. * Made in nucleus. * Carries the information for a specific protein.

rRNA, along with protein, makes up the ribosomes. * Singular strand, 100 to 3000 nucleotides long. * Made in nucleus, site of protein synthesis. * Ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and translates that genetic code into a specified string of amino acids, which grow into polypeptide chains that fold to form proteins.

tRNA transfers amino acids to the ribosomes where proteins are synthesized. * Clover-lead shape, single stranded molecule with attachment site at one end for an amino acid. * Opposite end has three nucleotide bases called the anticodon.

A DNA or RNA sequence of three nuceotide that forms a unit of genomic information encoding a particular amino acid or signalling the termination of protein synthesis. * 20 amino acids, 64 possible codons * Start codon: AUG (methionine) * Stop codon: UAA, UAG, UGA

An anticodon is the complementary to the 3 bases of a codon. * if codon: ACU, anticodon: UGA

• Partial undwinding of the double helix must occur before transcription can take place. • The region of opened-up DNA is caled a transcription bubble.