Transcription is the process where DNA is copied into messenger RNA using RNA polymerase. There are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA carries protein instructions from DNA to ribosomes, ribosomal RNA makes up ribosomes, and transfer RNA transfers amino acids to ribosomes during translation. Translation is the process where the cell uses messenger RNA to produce proteins by decoding mRNA codons into amino acids.

1. RNA and Protein Synthesis 12.3

2. Gene Sequence of DNA that codes for a protein and thus determines a trait.

3. Messenger RNA RNA molecule that carries copies of instructions for the assembly of amino acids into proteins from DNA to the rest of the cell.

4. Ribosomal RNA Type of RNA that makes up the major part of ribosomes.

5. Transfer RNA Type of RNA molecule that transfers amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis.

6. Transcription Process in which part of the nucleotide sequence of DNA is copied into a complementary sequence in RNA.

7. RNA Polymerase Enzyme similar to DNA polymerase that binds to DNA and separates the DNA strands during transcription.

8. Promoter Region of DNA that indicates to an enzyme where to bind to make RNA.

9. Intron Sequence of DNA that is not involved in coding for a protein.

10. Exon Expressed sequence of DNA; codes for a protein.

11. Codon Three-nucleotide sequence on messenger RNA that codes for a single amino acid.

12. Translation Decoding of a mRNA message into a polypeptide chain.

13. Anticodon Group of three bases on a tRNA molecule that are complementary to an mRNA codon.

14. Key Concept What are the three main types of RNA? There are three main types of RNA: messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, transfer RNA.

15. Key Concept What is transcription? During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and separates the DNA strands. RNA polymerase then uses one strand of DNA as a template from which nucleotides are assembled into a strand of RNA.

16. Key Concept What is translation? During translation, the cell uses information from messenger RNA to produce proteins.