Provide the amino acid corresponding to each of the following codons:
b. CCA

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis.
2. Refer to the genetic code table, which maps each codon to its corresponding amino acid. This table is universally used in biology and chemistry.
3. Locate the codon 'CCA' in the genetic code table. Codons are read in the 5' to 3' direction.
4. Identify the amino acid associated with the codon 'CCA'. According to the genetic code, 'CCA' corresponds to the amino acid Proline (abbreviated as Pro).
5. Remember that this process is part of translation, where ribosomes decode mRNA sequences into polypeptide chains, forming proteins.

Key Concepts

Codons

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. Each codon is part of the genetic code, which translates the information encoded in DNA into functional proteins. Understanding codons is essential for interpreting genetic information and determining the amino acid sequence of proteins.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids, each with a unique side chain that determines its properties and role in protein structure and function. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is dictated by the corresponding codons in the mRNA, making it crucial to know which codons correspond to which amino acids.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how sequences of nucleotides in DNA and RNA are translated into amino acids. It is universal among almost all organisms and consists of 64 codons that specify the 20 amino acids, including start and stop signals. Understanding the genetic code is vital for decoding mRNA sequences and predicting the resulting protein structure.