For each of these statements about the genetic code, select True or False.a. T/F Wobble pairing accounts for the redundancy of the genetic code.b. T/F There are 64 different tRNAs that read the 64 possible codons.c. T/F All possible codons are used, but not all codons specify an amino acid.d. T/F Some codons are recognized by proteins, not by tRNAs.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the concept of wobble pairing and understand how it relates to the redundancy of the genetic code. Wobble pairing allows a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons, thus contributing to the redundancy where several codons can code for the same amino acid.
2. Review the structure and function of tRNA molecules. Consider the fact that although there are 64 codons, not all of them require a unique tRNA due to the wobble base pairing at the third position of the codon.
3. Examine the genetic code chart to determine if all 64 codons are used and what they specify. Note that while all codons are indeed utilized in the genetic code, three of these codons function as stop signals and do not code for any amino acid.
4. Understand the role of tRNAs in the translation process and evaluate the statement regarding codons being recognized by proteins. Recall that during translation, codons in mRNA are recognized by tRNAs, not proteins, although proteins are involved in other aspects of translation regulation and facilitation.
5. Summarize the findings from each statement analysis to determine the truth value based on the biological principles and functions discussed.

Key Concepts

Wobble Pairing

Wobble pairing refers to the flexibility in base pairing between the third base of a codon and the corresponding base of the anticodon in tRNA. This phenomenon allows a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons that code for the same amino acid, contributing to the redundancy of the genetic code. This flexibility helps to minimize the impact of mutations and ensures efficient protein synthesis.

Codons and tRNAs

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids during protein synthesis. There are 64 possible codons, but not all of them correspond to unique tRNAs; in fact, there are fewer than 64 distinct tRNAs due to wobble pairing. This means that some tRNAs can pair with more than one codon, which is essential for the efficiency of translation.

Codon Usage

Codon usage refers to the frequency with which different codons are used to encode the same amino acid in a given organism. While all 64 codons exist, not all are utilized in every organism, and some codons may not specify an amino acid at all, such as stop codons. Understanding codon usage is important for comprehending how genetic information is translated into proteins and how variations can affect gene expression.