Textbook Question
Provide the amino acid corresponding to each of the following codons:
a. UUG
781
views
Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 73
What is the one-letter amino acid sequence formed from the following mRNA that codes for a pentapeptide that is an endorphin called Met-enkephalin?
5'AUG|UAC|GGU|GGA|UUU|AUG|UAA3'
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the start codon in the mRNA sequence. The start codon is typically 'AUG', which codes for the amino acid methionine (Met). This indicates where translation begins.
Divide the mRNA sequence into codons (groups of three nucleotides). For the given sequence, the codons are: AUG, UAC, GGU, GGA, UUU, AUG, UAA.
Use the genetic code table to translate each codon into its corresponding amino acid. For example: AUG = Met, UAC = Tyr, GGU = Gly, GGA = Gly, UUU = Phe, AUG = Met.
Stop translation when you encounter a stop codon. In this sequence, 'UAA' is a stop codon, which signals the end of the peptide chain.
Combine the one-letter abbreviations of the amino acids in the order they appear to form the amino acid sequence. For example, Met = M, Tyr = Y, Gly = G, Phe = F, etc.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
mRNA Translation
mRNA translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins based on the sequence of nucleotides in messenger RNA (mRNA). Each set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid. Understanding this process is crucial for determining the amino acid sequence encoded by the mRNA.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:42
Introduction to Translation Concept 1
Amino Acids and Codons
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and each amino acid is represented by one or more codons in the genetic code. The genetic code is universal and consists of 64 codons that specify 20 different amino acids. Knowing the codons that correspond to specific amino acids is essential for translating mRNA sequences into protein sequences.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:03Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Endorphins and Met-enkephalin
Endorphins are neuropeptides that function as neurotransmitters and are involved in pain relief and pleasure. Met-enkephalin is a specific type of endorphin composed of five amino acids. Understanding the structure and function of Met-enkephalin helps in recognizing its role in the body's response to stress and pain.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:22Percent Concentrations Example 2
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Provide the amino acid corresponding to each of the following codons:
c. AUC
836
views
Textbook Question
Provide the three-letter amino acid sequence expected from each of the following mRNA segments:
b. 5'CUA|AGC|UUC|AAC|UGG3'
748
views
Textbook Question
What is the anticodon on tRNA for each of the following codons in an mRNA?
c. GAA
1323
views
Textbook Question
A base substitution changes a codon for an enzyme from GCC to GCA. Why is there no change in the amino acid order in the protein?
681
views
Textbook Question
In sickle-cell anemia, a base substitution in the hemoglobin gene replaces glutamate (a polar amino acid) with valine. Why does the replacement of one amino acid cause such a drastic change in biological function?