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Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) supports basic research on genes, proteins and cells. It also funds studies on fundamental processes such as how cells communicate, how our bodies use energy and how we respond to medicines. The results of this research increase our understanding of life and lay the foundation for advances in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. The Institute's research training programs produce the next generation of scientists, and NIGMS has programs to increase the diversity of the biomedical and behavioral research workforce. NIGMS supported the research of most of the scientists mentioned in this booklet.

Figures (10)

Eukaryote gene structure diagram
Prokaryote gene structure diagram
King Charles V the Wise commissions a translation of Aristotle. First square shows his ordering the translation; second square, the translation being made. Third and fourth squares show the finished translation being brought to, and then presented to, the King.
The Rosetta Stone, a symbol of the art of translation[4]
Buddhist Diamond Sutra, translated into Chinese by Kumārajīva – world's oldest known dated printed book (868 CE)
Perry Link
Qur'an in tawqi, with Persian translation (smaller words) in naskh (14th century)
Muhammad Abduh
Dryden
Schleiermacher

Key Points

  • The first is transcription, where the information coded in DNA is copied into RNA.
  • RNA polymerase (green) and one end of a DNA strand (blue) are attached to clear beads pinned down in two optical traps.
  • Just like human DNA, yeast DNA has introns, but they are fewer and simpler in structure and are therefore easier to study.
  • Exons are sections of mRNA which become "expressed" or translated into a protein.
  • The splicing reaction is catalyzed by a large protein complex called the spliceosome assembled from proteins and small nuclear RNA molecules that recognize splice sites in the pre-mRNA sequence.
  • A translation that meets the criterion of fidelity (faithfulness) is said to be "faithful"; a translation that meets the criterion of transparency, "idiomatic".

Terms

Tap a term for a plain-language explanation.

Sources & licensing(4)