Chapter 31: Problem 87
Which one of the following statements is true for protein synthesis (translation)? (a) amino acids are directly recognized by \(\mathrm{m}\)-RNA (b) the third base of the codon is less specific (c) only one codon codes for an amino acid (d) every t-RNA molecule has more than one amino acid attachment.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Question
Evaluating Option A
Evaluating Option B
Evaluating Option C
Evaluating Option D
Conclusion
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Translation Process
- The ribosome, a complex molecular machine, reads the sequence of the mRNA.
- Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome.
- Amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds, forming a polypeptide chain.
Wobble Hypothesis
- This flexibility allows a tRNA to recognize multiple codons.
- The phenomenon contributes to genetic code degeneracy, where several codons may correspond to a single amino acid.
tRNA Function
- Each tRNA is specific to one amino acid and carries it to the ribosome.
- The anticodon ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.
- The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are enzymes that charge the tRNA with its specific amino acid.
Codon Specificity
- The genetic code is described as degenerate because several codons can encode the same amino acid.
- Despite this degeneracy, each codon specifies exactly one amino acid, maintaining precise protein coding.
- Exceptions can occur, such as the "wobble" base pairing, which still ensures fidelity in protein synthesis.