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AP Biology - Chapter 17
AP Biology - Chapter 17
Codons
61 of the 64 codons code for amino acids. One of the 64 is the start codon, which codes for the amino
acid met (all polypeptides start with met, which can be removed later). The three non-amino acid
codons are stop codons, not producing an amino acid.
Reading frame – the way in which mRNA is translated. Must be correct for the correct polypeptide to
form.
17.2 – Transcription
RNA Polymerase
Only one kind in bacteria, but in eukaryotes, RNA polymerase II forms mRNA, while the others form non-
protein coding RNA.
Promoter
Wherever the promoter is (on one DNA strand or the other) determines which strand becomes the
template strand.
Termination
In bacteria, the terminator is transcribed, signaling the polymerase to detach from the DNA and release
the primary transcript.
In eukaryotes, the polyadenylation signal sequence is transcribed, and after continuing to transcribe for
a little bit, the primary transcript is cut from the polymerase. The polymerase continues to transcribe,
but the RNA is digested by an enzyme that follows it. Eventually, the enzyme reaches the polymerase,
and termination is completed.
RNA Splicing
snRNA catalyzes splicing.
RNA Splicing is alternative; depending on what is treated as exons, different segments are excised,
leading to different proteins forming from a single gene.
17.4 - Translation
Ribosomes
Subunits made in nucleolus.
rRNA is primarily responsible for the ribosome’s structure.
Initiation
In bacteria, mRNA and tRNA are bound to the small ribosomal subunit in either order, the mRNA being
bound at a specific RNA sequence just before the start codon.
In eukaryotes, the small subunit is already bound to the tRNA, and binds to the 5’ cap of the mRNA,
moving down until it reaches the start codon.
In both, the union of the parts are completed by a large ribosomal subunit, forming a translation
initiation complex. Initiation factors help put them together, and energy is used.
The tRNA that is bound has the amino acid met, matching with the start codon.
Elongation
Three steps – pg. 341; first and third steps use GTP.
Spontaneous mutation
Mutation by errors in replication.
Mutagens
Physical and chemical mutation agents.
X-rays, UV light, radiation, base analogs (chemicals similar to normal bases, but pair incorrectly).