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Ch. 10 Molecular Biology of the Gene
Taylor - Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 10th Edition
Taylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan10th EditionCampbell Biology: Concepts & ConnectionsISBN: 9780136538783Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTaylor, Simon, Dickey, Hogan 10th EditionCh. 10 Molecular Biology of the GeneProblem 8
Chapter 10, Problem 8

The nucleotide sequence of a DNA codon is GTA. A messenger RNA molecule with a complementary codon is transcribed from the DNA. In the process of protein synthesis, a transfer RNA pairs with the mRNA codon. What is the nucleotide sequence of the tRNA anticodon?
a. CAT
b. CUT
c. GUA
d. CAU

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the DNA codon provided in the problem. The DNA codon is GTA. DNA is transcribed into mRNA by complementary base pairing, where adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA, thymine (T) pairs with adenine (A), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).
Step 2: Transcribe the DNA codon (GTA) into its complementary mRNA codon. Using the base pairing rules, G pairs with C, T pairs with A, and A pairs with U. This gives the mRNA codon sequence.
Step 3: Understand that during translation, a tRNA molecule pairs with the mRNA codon through its anticodon. The anticodon is complementary to the mRNA codon, following the same base pairing rules (A pairs with U, C pairs with G, and G pairs with C).
Step 4: Determine the nucleotide sequence of the tRNA anticodon by finding the complementary sequence to the mRNA codon obtained in Step 2.
Step 5: Match the tRNA anticodon sequence to the options provided in the problem (a. CAT, b. CUT, c. GUA, d. CAU) and identify the correct answer based on the sequence derived in Step 4.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

DNA and RNA Structure

DNA and RNA are nucleic acids composed of nucleotide sequences. DNA consists of deoxyribonucleotides, while RNA is made of ribonucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The sequence of these bases encodes genetic information, and during transcription, a complementary RNA strand is synthesized from the DNA template.
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Discovering the Structure of DNA

Codons and Anticodons

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid during protein synthesis. The corresponding tRNA molecule has an anticodon, a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to the mRNA codon. This pairing ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain, following the genetic code.
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Introduction to Types of RNA

Transcription and Translation

Transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA, which then carries the genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosome. Translation is the subsequent process where ribosomes read the mRNA sequence and synthesize proteins by linking amino acids in the order specified by the mRNA codons, facilitated by tRNA molecules.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Scientists have discovered how to put together a bacteriophage with the protein coat of phage T2 and the DNA of phage lambda. If this composite phage were allowed to infect a bacterium, the phages produced in the host cell would have _________. (Explain your answer.)

a. The protein of T2 and the DNA of lambda

b. The protein of lambda and the DNA of T2

c. The protein and DNA of T2

d. The protein and DNA of lambda

1683
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Textbook Question

A geneticist found that a particular mutation had no effect on the polypeptide encoded by a gene. This mutation probably involved

a. Deletion of one nucleotide

b. Alteration of the start codon

c. Insertion of one nucleotide

d. Substitution of one nucleotide

1799
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Textbook Question
Describe the process by which the information in a eukaryotic gene is transcribed and translated into a protein. Correctly use these words in your description: tRNA, amino acid, start codon, transcription, RNA splicing, exons, introns, mRNA, gene, codon, RNA polymerase, ribosome, translation, anticodon, peptide bond, stop codon.
2002
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Textbook Question
A cell containing a single chromosome is placed in a medium containing radioactive phosphate so that any new DNA strands formed by DNA replication will be radioactive. The cell replicates its DNA and divides. Then the daughter cells (still in the radioactive medium) replicate their DNA and divide, and a total of four cells are present. Sketch the DNA molecules in all four cells, showing a normal (nonradioactive) DNA strand as a solid line and a radioactive DNA strand as a dashed line.
896
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Textbook Question
The base sequence of the gene coding for a short polypeptide is CTACGCTAGGCGATTGACT. What would be the base sequence of the mRNA transcribed from this gene? Using the genetic code, give the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide translated from this mRNA. (Hint: What is the start codon?)
1909
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Textbook Question

Researchers working on the Human Genome Project have determined the nucleotide sequences of human genes and in many cases identified the proteins encoded by the genes. Knowledge of the nucleotide sequences of genes might be used to develop lifesaving medicines or treatments for genetic defects. In the United States, both government agencies and biotechnology companies have applied for patents on their discoveries of genes. In Britain, the courts have ruled that a naturally occurring gene cannot be patented. Do you think individuals and companies should be able to patent genes and gene products?

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