/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 18 Is it necessary for a cell to ma... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 13: Problem 18

Is it necessary for a cell to make 61 different tRNA molecules, corresponding to the 61 codons for amino acids? Explain your answer.

Short Answer

Expert verified
No, it is not necessary for a cell to make 61 different tRNA molecules, corresponding to the 61 codons for amino acids due to the 'Wobble hypothesis' allowing for a single tRNA molecule to bind with more than one type of codon coding for the same amino acid.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding tRNA role and Codons

tRNA or transfer RNA is the molecule that in protein synthesis, binds the amino acids and adds them to the growing protein chain in the correct order. They do this through the use of anti-codons that match up with the mRNA codon for that amino acid. The genetic code consists of 64 codons (triplet code of nucleotides), however only 61 of these codons signal for amino acids, the other three are 'stop' signals.
02

Concept of Wobble Hypothesis

According to the 'wobble hypothesis', proposed by Francis Crick, the first two positions of the codon pair strictly according to the base pairing rule, but the third position is less stringent. Therefore, a single type of tRNA molecule having a unique anticodon can recognize and bind to more than one type of codon for the same amino acid.
03

Conclusion for tRNA necessity

Given the function of tRNA and this 'wobbling', it is not necessary for a cell to make 61 different tRNA molecules corresponding to the 61 codons that code for amino acids because a single tRNA molecule can recognise and bind to more than one type of codons that code for the same amino acid due to the flexibility provided by the wobble hypothesis.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

How does a eukaryotic ribosome select its start codon? Describe the sequences in eukaryotic mRNA that provide an optimal context for a start codon.

An mRNA encodes a polypeptide that is 312 amino acids in length. The 53 rd codon in this polypeptide is a tryptophan codon. A mutation in the gene that encodes this polypeptide changes this tryptophan codon into a stop codon. How many amino acids would be in the resulting polypeptide: \(52,53,259\), or 260 ?

Describe the components of eukaryotic ribosomal subunits and the location where the assembly of the subunits occurs within living cells.

Explain the functional roles of the A, P, and E sites during translation.

How many different sequences of mRNA could encode a peptide with the sequence proline-glycine-methionine-serine?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

Astrobiological Science

Read Explanation

Cell Cycle

Read Explanation

Substance Exchange

Read Explanation

Organ Systems

Read Explanation

Responding to Change

Read Explanation

Control of Gene Expression

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.