Module 33

The strand of DNA that is used as a template, or
model, for RNA synthesis during transcription. The template strand is also called the noncoding, antisense, and minus strand.

5' to 3' direction

The enzyme that synthesizes an RNA transcript
from a DNA template.

3' only

The strand of DNA that is not used as a template, or model, for RNA synthesis during transcription. The nontemplate strand is the reverse complement of the template strand. The nontemplate strand is also called the coding, sense, and plus strand.

A regulatory region where RNA polymerase and associated proteins bind to the DNA molecule in the process of transcription.

The initial RNA molecule that comes off the
template DNA strand.

The RNA molecule that combines with a ribosome to direct protein synthesis; it carries the genetic "message" from the DNA to the ribosome.

A chemical modification that converts the primary transcript into mature mRNA, enabling the RNA molecule to be transported to the cytoplasm and recognized by the translational
machinery.

The modification of the 5′ end of the primary transcript by the addition of a special nucleotide attached in an unusual chemical
linkage; also called a 5′ cap.

The adenine (A) nucleotides added to the 3′ end of the primary transcript.

A sequence that is left intact in mRNA after RNA splicing, and is therefore expressed in the protein.

An intervening sequence that is removed from the primary transcript during RNA splicing.

The process of joining exons and removing introns from the primary transcript.

The process by which exons are joined together
and introns are removed during RNA processing. A single gene can be spliced in different ways to yield different mRNAs and different protein products.

Noncoding RNA found in all ribosomes that
aid in translation.

Noncoding RNA that carries individual amino
acids for use in translation.