Each of the following statements about protein synthesis is false. Correct each to make a true statement.
In a gene, each nucleotide specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the incorrect statement: The claim that each nucleotide in a gene specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence is false. Instead, groups of three nucleotides (called codons) specify one amino acid.
2. Correct the statement: Replace 'each nucleotide specifies one amino acid' with 'each codon, which is a sequence of three nucleotides, specifies one amino acid in a protein sequence.'
3. Explain the concept of codons: A codon is a triplet of nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during translation. For example, the codon AUG specifies the amino acid methionine and also serves as the start codon.
4. Clarify the role of nucleotides: Individual nucleotides (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil in RNA) are the building blocks of codons, but they do not directly specify amino acids on their own. It is the combination of three nucleotides that forms a codon and determines the amino acid.
5. Relate to protein synthesis: During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence in groups of three nucleotides (codons) and uses tRNA molecules to bring the corresponding amino acids, which are then linked together to form a protein.

Key Concepts

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in proteins. It is based on codons, which are groups of three nucleotides that specify a single amino acid. This means that each amino acid is encoded by one or more codons, not by individual nucleotides.

Codons

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Since there are 64 possible codons but only 20 amino acids, some amino acids are encoded by multiple codons, illustrating the redundancy of the genetic code. This redundancy helps protect against mutations that could alter protein function.

Translation Process

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using the information encoded in mRNA. During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA codons and assembles the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain. This process involves various molecules, including tRNA, which carries amino acids to the ribosome, ensuring that the correct amino acids are added in the proper sequence.