In the experiments that deciphered the genetic code, many different synthetic mRNA sequences were tested.
What result was obtained for synthetic mRNAs containing AG repeats, that is, AGAGAGAG...?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the context: The problem involves deciphering the genetic code using synthetic mRNA sequences. The sequence provided, AGAGAGAG..., is a repeating dinucleotide sequence. The goal is to determine the result of translating this sequence into a polypeptide chain.
2. Recall the codon structure: Each codon consists of three nucleotides, and the genetic code translates these codons into specific amino acids. For the sequence AGAGAGAG..., the codons will be read in overlapping triplets as AGA, GAG, AGA, and so on.
3. Determine the amino acids encoded: Use the genetic code table to identify the amino acids corresponding to the codons. For example, AG(A) codes for one amino acid, and GA(G) codes for another. Identify these amino acids from the table.
4. Consider the repeating pattern: Since the sequence is repetitive, the resulting polypeptide will also have a repeating pattern of amino acids. Analyze how the sequence AGAGAGAG... translates into a repeating sequence of amino acids.
5. Summarize the result: The experiment with AG repeats would produce a polypeptide with a repeating pattern of two amino acids, corresponding to the codons AG(A) and GA(G). This demonstrates how synthetic mRNA sequences can be used to decipher the genetic code.

Key Concepts

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA is translated into amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. It consists of codons, which are triplets of nucleotides, each corresponding to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

mRNA and Translation

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. During translation, ribosomes read the mRNA sequence in codons, facilitating the assembly of amino acids into polypeptides based on the genetic instructions.

Repetitive Sequences and Codon Bias

Repetitive sequences, such as AG repeats, can influence the translation process due to codon bias, where certain codons are preferred over others in different organisms. This can affect the efficiency and accuracy of protein synthesis, potentially leading to variations in the resulting polypeptide chains.