Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.
5′-UAG-3′

Verified step by step guidance

1. Determine the codon sequence that pairs with the given anticodon. Remember that the anticodon on the tRNA is complementary and antiparallel to the mRNA codon. For the anticodon 5′-UAG-3′, the corresponding mRNA codon will be 5′-CUA-3′.
2. Identify the directionality of the codon. Ensure that the mRNA codon is read in the 5′ to 3′ direction, which is the standard orientation for translation.
3. Use the genetic code table to find the amino acid corresponding to the mRNA codon 5′-CUA-3′. Look up the codon in the table to determine the amino acid it specifies.
4. Recall that the genetic code is redundant, meaning multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. Verify that 5′-CUA-3′ corresponds to the correct amino acid.
5. Conclude that the tRNA carrying the anticodon 5′-UAG-3′ will deliver the amino acid identified in the previous step to the ribosome during translation.

Key Concepts

tRNA and Anticodons

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules are essential for translating the genetic code into proteins. Each tRNA has a specific anticodon sequence that pairs with a corresponding codon on the mRNA during protein synthesis. The anticodon 5′-UAG-3′ is complementary to the mRNA codon 5′-AUC-3′, which helps identify the amino acid that the tRNA carries.

Codon-Amino Acid Relationship

The genetic code consists of codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. The codon 5′-AUC-3′, which pairs with the anticodon 5′-UAG-3′, codes for the amino acid isoleucine.

Amino Acids and Protein Synthesis

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and there are 20 standard amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins. During translation, tRNAs deliver the appropriate amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain based on the sequence of codons in the mRNA. Understanding which amino acid corresponds to a specific codon is crucial for grasping how proteins are synthesized.