All mind maps topics

The genetic code and protein synthesisEdexcel A-Level Biology A: Mind map

What this mind map covers

  • Gene and code
  • Transcription
  • Translation
  • Start and stop
  • Exam tips

Exam questions on The genetic code and protein synthesis

  1. The base sequence of a short section of the template (antisense) strand of a gene is TACCGAGGTATT. This section is transcribed to make mRNA that begins with a start codon and ends with a stop codon.
    The codons GCU and GCC both code for the amino acid alanine. State the term used to describe this property of the genetic code and explain what it means.2 marks
  2. During translation in a pancreatic cell, a ribosome moves along an mRNA molecule with the base sequence AUG UUC GGA CAU UGA. The codon UGA is a stop codon.
    Explain how tRNA molecules make sure that the correct amino acid is added at each codon of the mRNA.2 marks
  3. RNA polymerase transcribes a gene in the nucleus of a cell. A section of the DNA template (antisense) strand has the base sequence TACCAGTTCACT.
    Deduce the base sequence of the mRNA transcribed from this section, and describe the role of RNA polymerase in forming it.3 marks
See the full worksheet

Written by the Exaim team, led by Shaun Daswani (Head of Upper Secondary, Improve ME Institute; MSc Financial Mathematics, Imperial College London; BSc, UCL) and Jason Daswani (operational lead, Improve ME Institute; LSE).