PROTIEN SYNTHESIS
messenger RNA
The form of RNA that mediates the transfer of genetic information from the cell nucleus
to ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. It is
synthesized from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
transfer RNA
One of a class of RNA molecules that transport amino acids to ribosomes for
incorporation into a polypeptide undergoing synthesis.
RNA polymerase
A polymerase that catalyzes the synthesis of a complementary strand of RNA from a
DNA template, or, in some viruses, from an RNA template.
nu·cle·o·tide
Any of various compounds consisting of a nucleoside combined with a phosphate group
and forming the basic constituent of DNA and RNA
nuclear membrane
The double-layered membrane enclosing the nucleus of a cell. Also called nuclear
envelope.
an·ti·co·don
A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides in transfer RNA that binds to a corresponding
codon in messenger RNA and designates a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.
co·don
A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides constituting the genetic code that determines the
insertion of a specific amino acid in a polypeptide chain during protein synthesis or the
signal to stop protein synthesis
pol·y·pep·tide
A peptide, such as a small protein, containing many molecules of amino acids, typically
between 10 and 100
ribosomal RNA
The RNA that is a permanent structural part of a ribosome.
ri·bo·some
A minute round particle composed of RNA and protein that is found in the cytoplasm of
living cells and serves as the site of assembly for polypeptides encoded by messenger
RNA
pro·tein
Any of a group of complex organic macromolecules that contain carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur and are composed of one or more chains of amino
acids. Proteins are fundamental components of all living cells and include many
substances, such as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies, that are necessary for the proper
functioning of an organism. They are essential in the diet of animals for the growth and
repair of tissue and can be obtained from foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and
legumes.