Briefly describe the following:
(a) Transcription
(b) Polymorphism
(c) Translation
(d) Bioinformatics

a) Transcription is the process in which RNA is synthesized from DNA.

Transcription is a 3 step process-

1) Initiation- RNA polymerase binds to DNA sequence called the promoter and providing the single-stranded template for transcription process.

2) Elongation- RNA polymerase reads the template strand and adds bases leading to elongation of the chain.

3) Termination- In this step terminator sequences mark the end of transcription.

b) Polymorphism is a form of genetic variation resulting in the formation of several different types of individuals among the members of one particular species. The varying sequences of nucleotides are located at different positions in a DNA helix resulting in variation and hence polymorphism in the population. Polymorphism is responsible for speciation and evolution.

c) Translation is the process in which protein is synthesized from RNA.

Translation is a 3 step process-

1) Initiation- In initiation, the ribosome assembles around the mRNA that has to be read and the first tRNA carrying the amino acid methionine

2) Elongation- In this stage the amino acid chain is elongated

3) Termination- In this stage, the synthesized polypeptide chain is released.

d) Bioinformatics is the use of information technology for collecting and analyzing complex biological data such as genetic codes, protein sequences, etc. using databases. There has been an advancement in the field of molecular biology, there is the invention of computers, scientific techniques, and instrumentation at the nano level, etc. These have helped in the development and progress in the field of bioinformatics.