Elongation

Definition

Elongation refers to the process during gene expression where the RNA strand is extended as RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from a DNA template during transcription, and where the polypeptide chain is lengthened by adding amino acids during translation. This key phase ensures that the genetic information is accurately translated into functional molecules, playing a crucial role in protein synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During transcription, elongation occurs after initiation when RNA polymerase begins adding ribonucleotides to form an RNA strand complementary to the DNA template.
2. In translation, elongation involves the sequential addition of amino acids to a growing polypeptide chain facilitated by transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.
3. The rate of elongation can vary between different genes and organisms, impacting how quickly proteins are synthesized.
4. Elongation continues until a stop codon is reached during translation, signaling the end of protein synthesis.
5. Factors such as the presence of certain elongation factors and ribosomal subunits can influence the efficiency and speed of elongation in both transcription and translation.

Review Questions

• How does elongation contribute to the overall process of gene expression?
  • Elongation plays a vital role in gene expression by ensuring that both transcription and translation processes are carried out efficiently. During transcription, elongation allows RNA polymerase to synthesize a complementary RNA strand from DNA, which is crucial for producing mRNA. In translation, elongation enables ribosomes to add amino acids sequentially to the growing polypeptide chain based on the mRNA sequence. Both processes rely on elongation to create functional proteins from genetic information.
• What role do enzymes like RNA polymerase play during elongation in transcription?
  • Enzymes such as RNA polymerase are essential during the elongation phase of transcription because they catalyze the addition of ribonucleotides to form an RNA strand. As RNA polymerase moves along the DNA template, it unwinds the double helix and synthesizes RNA by pairing complementary nucleotides. This process continues until a termination signal is reached, allowing for accurate transcription of genes into RNA, which can then be translated into proteins.
• Evaluate how differences in elongation rates during transcription and translation can affect cellular function.
  • Differences in elongation rates can significantly impact cellular function by influencing protein synthesis efficiency and overall gene expression levels. If elongation is too slow during transcription, it may lead to insufficient mRNA production, resulting in lower protein levels necessary for cellular functions. Conversely, rapid elongation may enhance protein synthesis but could also result in errors or improper folding if quality control mechanisms cannot keep up. Thus, maintaining an optimal balance in elongation rates is crucial for proper cellular regulation and function.

Related terms

RNA polymerase: An enzyme responsible for synthesizing RNA from a DNA template during transcription, playing a key role in elongation.

Amino acids: The building blocks of proteins that are linked together during translation, contributing to the elongation of the polypeptide chain.

Transcription factors: Proteins that help initiate and regulate the process of transcription, influencing the efficiency of elongation.