AP Biology Flashcards: Transcription and RNA Processing
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is splicing in the context of eukaryotic mRNA processing?
Splicing is the process of removing non-coding regions, called introns, from the pre-mRNA transcript to generate a mature mRNA molecule.
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What is splicing in the context of eukaryotic mRNA processing?
Splicing is the process of removing non-coding regions, called introns, from the pre-mRNA transcript to generate a mature mRNA molecule.
What determines the function of an RNA molecule?
The sequence and three-dimensional structure of an RNA molecule are the primary determinants of its specific function.
What is the function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?
mRNA is a type of RNA molecule that carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
What is the general flow of genetic information as described by the central dogma?
Genetic information flows from DNA, which is transcribed into RNA, which is then translated into protein.
Define transcription.
Transcription is the process where RNA polymerases use a DNA template strand to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule.
What are two modifications that eukaryotic mRNA transcripts undergo to become mature mRNA?
Eukaryotic mRNA transcripts have a poly-A tail and a GTP cap added to them.
What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA)?
tRNA is responsible for transferring the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
In which direction does RNA polymerase synthesize an mRNA molecule?
RNA polymerase synthesizes mRNA in the 5' to 3' direction.
What is the function of ribosomal RNA (rRNA)?
rRNA is a structural component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis.
What enzyme synthesizes an RNA molecule from a DNA template?
RNA polymerase is the enzyme that uses a DNA template strand to synthesize a complementary RNA molecule.
If RNA polymerase is synthesizing an mRNA molecule in the 5' to 3' direction, in what direction is it reading the DNA template strand?
RNA polymerase reads the DNA template strand from the 3' to 5' direction to synthesize a complementary 5' to 3' mRNA molecule.