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Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksSanders 3rd EditionCh. 9 - The Molecular Biology of TranslationProblem 20b
Chapter 9, Problem 20b

Describe the roles and relationships between tRNA anticodon sequences and mRNA codon sequences.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of mRNA codons: mRNA is composed of nucleotide sequences organized into codons, which are groups of three nucleotides. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during translation.
Learn the structure of tRNA: Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules have an anticodon region that consists of three nucleotides complementary to the mRNA codon. This allows tRNA to recognize and bind to the correct codon on the mRNA strand.
Explore the base-pairing rules: The anticodon on tRNA pairs with the mRNA codon through complementary base pairing. For example, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). This ensures accurate translation of the genetic code.
Understand the role of tRNA in translation: tRNA carries specific amino acids to the ribosome. When the anticodon of tRNA binds to the corresponding mRNA codon, the ribosome facilitates the addition of the amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain.
Recognize the importance of codon-anticodon interaction: The precise pairing between mRNA codons and tRNA anticodons ensures that the correct sequence of amino acids is assembled, which is critical for producing functional proteins.

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Key Concepts

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

tRNA and Anticodons

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. Each tRNA molecule has a specific three-nucleotide sequence called an anticodon, which is complementary to a corresponding codon on the mRNA. This complementary pairing ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.
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tRNA

mRNA and Codons

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The mRNA is read in sets of three nucleotides known as codons, each of which specifies a particular amino acid. The sequence of codons in mRNA determines the order of amino acids in a protein, which is crucial for its function.
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mRNA Processing

Translation Process

Translation is the process by which the genetic code carried by mRNA is translated into a sequence of amino acids to form a protein. During translation, ribosomes facilitate the binding of tRNA anticodons to mRNA codons, ensuring that the correct amino acids are linked together in the proper order. This process is essential for gene expression and the synthesis of functional proteins.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

After completing Problem 17, carefully draw a line below the mRNA to represent its polypeptide product in accurate alignment with the mRNA. Label the N-terminal and C-terminal ends of the polypeptide. Carefully draw two lines above and parallel to the mRNA, and label them 'coding strand' and 'template strand.' Locate the DNA promoter sequence. Identify the locations of the  nucleotide and of a transcription termination sequence.

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Textbook Question

Define and describe the differences in the primary, secondary, and tertiary structures of a protein.

560
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Textbook Question

Describe the roles and relationships between tRNA synthetases and tRNA molecules.

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Textbook Question

In an experiment to decipher the genetic code, a poly-AC mRNA (ACACACAC...) is synthesized. What pattern of amino acids would appear if this sequence were to be translated by a mechanism that reads the genetic code as

A doublet without overlaps?

555
views
Textbook Question

In an experiment to decipher the genetic code, a poly-AC mRNA (ACACACAC...) is synthesized. What pattern of amino acids would appear if this sequence were to be translated by a mechanism that reads the genetic code as

A doublet with overlaps?

678
views
Textbook Question

In an experiment to decipher the genetic code, a poly-AC mRNA (ACACACAC...) is synthesized. What pattern of amino acids would appear if this sequence were to be translated by a mechanism that reads the genetic code as

A triplet without overlaps?

558
views