Chapter 17 Quiz Hints #2

1. Know the basics of transcription.

a. What is transcription?

b. What is the key molecule that allows this process to occur?

c. What does this molecule do?

2. Know the basics of the first stage of transcription: Initiation

a. What is the name of the place on the DNA where the RNA polymerase attaches?

3. Know the basics of the second stage of transcription: Elongation

a. In what direction does the mRNA elongate?

4. Know the basics of the third stage of transcription: Termination

a. What happens in termination?

5. What are the three things mentioned in lecture that are unique about RNA (i.e. three things that are different from DNA)?

6. The second step in protein synthesis in eukaryotes is called RNA processing.

a. What happens to the 5’ end of the pre-mRNA?

b. What happens to the 3’ end of the pre-mRNA?

c. Why are the 5’ and 3’ ends of the pre-mRNA modified?

7. The middle of the pre-mRNA is modified.

a. What is the name of the pieces of mRNA that are removed? What is a way to remember this?

b. What is the name of the pieces of mRNA that remain and become the gene? What is a way to remember this?

8. Be able to draw and label a mRNA with all the different parts described (after it has been fully modified and is no longer considered “pre-mRNA,” i.e. it is ready to leave the nucleus as “mRNA”).

9. Know what a splicesosome does. What is a splicesosome made of?