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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 1a
Chapter 9, Problem 1a

Some proteins are composed of two or more polypeptides. Suppose the DNA template strand sequence 3′-TACGTAGGCTAACGGAGTAAGCTAACT-5′ produces a polypeptide that joins in pairs to form a functional protein. What is the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide produced from this sequence?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the DNA template strand sequence provided: 3′-TACGTAGGCTAACGGAGTAAGCTAACT-5′.
Determine the complementary mRNA sequence by transcribing the DNA template strand. Remember that RNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T). The complementary mRNA sequence will be 5′-AUGCAUCCGAUUGCCUCAUUCGAUUGA-3′.
Divide the mRNA sequence into codons (groups of three nucleotides), starting from the 5′ end. For example: AUG, CAU, CCG, etc.
Use the genetic code to translate each codon into its corresponding amino acid. For instance, AUG codes for methionine (start codon), and so on. Continue translating until you encounter a stop codon (e.g., UGA).
Write down the amino acid sequence produced from the translation process. This sequence represents the polypeptide that will pair with another identical polypeptide to form the functional protein.

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Key Concepts

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

DNA Transcription

DNA transcription is the process by which a segment of DNA is copied into RNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase. The DNA template strand is read in the 3' to 5' direction, and the resulting RNA strand is synthesized in the 5' to 3' direction. This process is crucial for producing messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
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Prokaryotic Transcription

Translation and Codons

Translation is the process by which the mRNA sequence is decoded to synthesize a polypeptide chain. The mRNA is read in sets of three nucleotides called codons, each of which corresponds to a specific amino acid. Understanding the genetic code, which maps codons to amino acids, is essential for determining the amino acid sequence of the resulting polypeptide.
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Translation initiation

Polypeptide Structure

Polypeptides are chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, and they can fold into specific three-dimensional structures to form functional proteins. The sequence of amino acids, determined by the mRNA, dictates how the polypeptide will fold and function. In the context of the question, knowing how polypeptides can join in pairs to form functional proteins is important for understanding protein structure and function.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Suppose a man and a woman are each heterozygous carriers of a mutation causing a fatal hereditary disease not on the RUSP list. Prenatal genetic testing can identify the genotype of a fetus with regard to this disease and can identify fetuses with the disease. What do you think are the three or four most important factors this couple should consider in their decision making about having children?

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Textbook Question

If you were to look up Gaucher disease on the OMIM website, you would see that there are three major types, designated Type I (OMIM 230800), Type II (OMIM 230900), and Type III (OMIM 231000). All three types are mutations of the gene for acid-β-glucosidase, encoded on chromosome 1. Different mutations of this gene produce the three types of Gaucher disease that differ somewhat in their symptoms and disease severity.

For each mutation, speculate about whether the acid-β-glucosidase enzyme is merely reduced in function or whether its production is eliminated, and explain why.

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Textbook Question

If you were to look up Gaucher disease on the OMIM website, you would see that there are three major types, designated Type I (OMIM 230800), Type II (OMIM 230900), and Type III (OMIM 231000). All three types are mutations of the gene for acid-β-glucosidase, encoded on chromosome 1. Different mutations of this gene produce the three types of Gaucher disease that differ somewhat in their symptoms and disease severity.

Thinking about the production or function of the acid-β-glucosidase enzyme, why do you suppose different mutations of this gene produce differences in symptoms and disease severity?

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Textbook Question

Some proteins are composed of two or more polypeptides. Suppose the DNA template strand sequence 3′-TACGTAGGCTAACGGAGTAAGCTAACT-5′ produces a polypeptide that joins in pairs to form a functional protein.

What term is used to identify a functional protein like this one formed when two identical polypeptides join together?

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Textbook Question

In the experiments that deciphered the genetic code, many different synthetic mRNA sequences were tested.

Describe how the codon for phenylalanine was identified.

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Textbook Question

In the experiments that deciphered the genetic code, many different synthetic mRNA sequences were tested.

What was the result of studies of synthetic mRNAs composed exclusively of cytosine?

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