Chapter 14Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein

Key Concepts

Genes specify proteins via transcription and translation
Transcription is the DNA-Directed synthesis of RNA
Eukaryotic cells modify RNA after transcription
Translation is the RNA-directed synthesis of a polypeptide
Mutation of one or a few nucleotides can affect protein structure and function

Tips for reading the textbook

Detailed Learning objectives

14.1 Be able to describe why there are 64 codons created by DNA and RNA but only 20 amino acids

14.2 List the start codon and what amino acid it codes for

14.3 Describe the basic chemical differences between DNA and RNA

14.4 Explain the role of the TATA box in eukaryotes with regards to transcription

14.5 Provide the name of the enzyme responsible for transcription

14.6 Describe how eukaryotic cells modify RNA after transcription, including capping, adding a tail, and splicing. Where in the cell does this post-processing happen?

14.7 Identify where in the cell translation occurs in a eukaryotic vs. prokaryotic cell

14.8 Describe the structure of tRNA and how it moves through the A, P, and E sites on a ribosome to create a new protein. What do A, P, and E stand for?

14.9 Describe to a non-scientist what the Central Dogma of Biology is

14.10 Write the complementary strand of DNA if provided the template strand, write the mRNA sequence from that double-stranded DNA molecule, and translate an mRNA molecule into an amino acid sequence if provided the genetic code

Lecture Slides

Chapter 14 Lecture Slides

videos

activities

assignments

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SCIENTIST SPOTLIGHTS

Link to scientist spotlights. (Links to an external site.) Navigate to this website and search for Biology in the Content Area drop-down box. Choose one of the scientists you find and connect with to do some further exploration. Download and complete the DOWLOAD STUDENT ASSIGNMENT document on that scientists page. Upload the finished assignment to canvas. Due November 18th at 11:59 pm.

Terminology

Key Terminology and Vocabulary - While the "jargon" or terminology in scientific fields can initially be intimidating, the use of specific language allows for more effective communication and clarity. Learn these words and be able to use them properly in the context of biology. It takes time and practice to make words "your own" so don't be afraid to try to use them!

gene expression
transcription
- messenger RNA (mRNA)
translation
ribosomes
triplet code
codon
reading frame
template strand
RNA polymerase
promotor
terminator
transcription unit
transcription factor
transcription initiation complex
RNA processing
- 5' cap
- poly-A tail
RNA splicing
introns vs exons
spliceosome
ribozymes
transfer RNA (tRNA)
anticodon
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase
wobble
ribosomal RNAs (rRNA)
P site, A site, E site
mutations
- point mutation
  - silent mutation
  - missense mutation
  - nonsense mutation
- insertion/deletion (indel)
  - frameshift mutation
mutagen