Textbook Question
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'
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 75c
What is the anticodon on tRNA for each of the following codons in an mRNA?
c. GAA
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the relationship between codons in mRNA and anticodons in tRNA. Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify amino acids, while anticodons are complementary sequences of three nucleotides in tRNA that pair with the codons during translation.
Identify the given mRNA codon: GAA. This is the sequence that we need to find the complementary anticodon for.
Recall the base-pairing rules for RNA: Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U), Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G), and Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).
Apply the base-pairing rules to determine the anticodon sequence. For the mRNA codon GAA, the complementary anticodon will be formed by pairing each nucleotide: G pairs with C, A pairs with U, and A pairs with U.
Write the anticodon sequence in the 5' to 3' direction, as tRNA anticodons are conventionally written in this orientation. Ensure the sequence is correctly derived based on the base-pairing rules.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
41sWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Codons and Anticodons
Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify a particular amino acid during protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to a specific anticodon on tRNA, which is a complementary sequence of three nucleotides. This pairing is crucial for the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:23
Types of RNA Concept 2
Base Pairing Rules
Base pairing rules dictate how nucleotides pair with each other in DNA and RNA. In RNA, adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). Understanding these rules is essential for determining the correct anticodon that pairs with a given mRNA codon.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:01Base Pairing Concept 2
tRNA Function
Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a critical role in translating mRNA into proteins by bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome. Each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon that matches a codon on the mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain during translation.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:16Logarithmic Functions
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Provide the three-letter amino acid sequence expected from each of the following mRNA segments:
b. 5'CUA|AGC|UUC|AAC|UGG3'
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?
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?
Textbook Question
Provide the amino acid corresponding to each of the following codons:
c. AUC
Textbook Question
A base substitution for an enzyme replaces leucine (a nonpolar amino acid) with alanine. Why does this change in amino acids have little effect on the biological activity of the enzyme?