Transcription and translationAQA A-Level Biology: Mind map

Exam questions on Transcription and translation

1. A human liver cell transcribes the gene for albumin, a protein made in large amounts by the liver. The albumin gene contains several introns.
   Describe what happens to the product of transcription of the albumin gene before it can be translated.2 marks
2. At a ribosome in the cytoplasm of a cell, a polypeptide is being made by translation of a molecule of mRNA. Transfer RNA molecules are bringing amino acids to the ribosome.
   A tRNA molecule with the anticodon UAC arrives at the ribosome. Explain which mRNA codon it binds to and what happens to the amino acid it carries.2 marks
3. Bacteria and human cells both transcribe their genes to make RNA. In bacteria, ribosomes can begin translating an mRNA molecule while it is still being made. In human cells, translation does not begin until the RNA has left the nucleus.
   Explain why a bacterial RNA can be translated while it is still being made, whereas human RNA must first leave the nucleus.3 marks