Colinear

Definition

Colinear refers to the property of genes and proteins where the sequence of nucleotides in DNA directly corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in a protein. In other words, the genetic code is read in a linear sequence without skipping or overlapping.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of colinearity was crucial in understanding how DNA sequences are translated into functional proteins.
2. Colinearity ensures that each set of three nucleotides (codon) codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.
3. Mutations affecting nucleotide sequences can disrupt the colinearity, leading to potential errors in protein formation.
4. Colinearity is observed in prokaryotes primarily, as eukaryotic genes often contain introns which interrupt this direct correspondence.
5. The discovery of colinearity helped solidify the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA -> RNA -> Protein.

Review Questions

• What does colinear mean in the context of gene and protein sequences?
• How does colinearity influence the process of translating DNA to proteins?
• In which type of organisms is colinearity most commonly observed?

Related terms

Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code.

Mutation: A change in the nucleotide sequence which can affect gene function and protein synthesis.

Central Dogma: The theory that genetic information flows from DNA to RNA to Protein.