Textbook Question
Use three-letter and one-letter abbreviations to write the amino acid sequence for the peptide from each of the following mRNA sequences:
c. AUG CAC AAG GAA GUA CUG
Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch.1 Chemistry in Our Lives11
- Ch.2 Chemistry and Measurements80
- Ch.3 Matter and Energy54
- Ch.4 Atoms and Elements51
- Ch.5 Nuclear Chemistry42
- Ch.6 Ionic and Molecular Compounds57
- Ch.7 Chemical Quantities and Reactions41
- Ch.8 Gases29
- Ch.9 Solutions51
- Ch.10 Acids and Bases and Equilibrium65
- Ch.11 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons78
- Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones83
- Ch.13 Carbohydrates54
- Ch.14 Carboxylic Acids, Esters, Amines, and Amides90
- Ch.15 Lipids61
- Ch.16 Amino Acids, Proteins, and Enzymes84
- Ch.17 Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis83
- Ch.18 Metabolic Pathways and ATP Production67
Timberlake13th EditionChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134421353Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 17, Problem 61
What is the effect of a deletion mutation on the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of a deletion mutation: A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence. This can alter the reading frame of the genetic code if the number of nucleotides deleted is not a multiple of three, leading to a frameshift mutation.
Recall the relationship between DNA, mRNA, and amino acids: DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into a sequence of amino acids. Each group of three nucleotides (codon) in the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid.
Determine the impact of a frameshift mutation: If the deletion causes a frameshift, the reading frame of the codons will shift, potentially altering every amino acid encoded downstream of the mutation. This can result in a completely different polypeptide sequence or a premature stop codon.
Consider the case of a deletion in multiples of three: If the number of nucleotides deleted is a multiple of three, the reading frame is preserved. However, the polypeptide will be missing one or more amino acids corresponding to the deleted codons.
Conclude the overall effect: A deletion mutation can significantly alter the structure and function of the resulting polypeptide, depending on whether it causes a frameshift or simply removes specific amino acids.
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.
Deletion Mutation
A deletion mutation occurs when one or more nucleotides are removed from the DNA sequence. This alteration can disrupt the reading frame of the genetic code, leading to significant changes in the resulting polypeptide. Depending on the location and extent of the deletion, it can result in a truncated protein or a completely different amino acid sequence.
Amino Acid Sequence
The amino acid sequence of a polypeptide is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the corresponding gene. Each set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, codes for a specific amino acid. Changes in the nucleotide sequence, such as those caused by deletion mutations, can lead to alterations in the amino acid sequence, potentially affecting the protein's structure and function.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:03
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Reading Frame
The reading frame refers to the way nucleotides in a DNA or RNA sequence are grouped into codons during translation. A deletion mutation can shift the reading frame, causing all subsequent codons to be read incorrectly. This shift can lead to the incorporation of incorrect amino acids, premature stop codons, or a completely nonfunctional protein, highlighting the critical nature of maintaining the correct reading frame.
Recommended video:
Guided course
1:30Introduction to Translation Example 1
Related Practice
Textbook Question
Consider the following segment of mRNA produced by the normal order of DNA nucleotides:
ACA UCA CGG GUA
b. What is the amino acid order if a point mutation changes UCA to ACA?
Textbook Question
How is protein synthesis affected if the normal base sequence TTT in the DNA template strand is changed to TTC?
Textbook Question
The following sequence is a portion of the DNA template strand: TGT GGG GTT ATT
b. What are the anticodons of the tRNAs?
Textbook Question
Consider the following segment of mRNA produced by the normal order of DNA nucleotides:
ACA UCA CGG GUA
a. What is the amino acid order produced from this mRNA?
Textbook Question
The following is a segment of the DNA template that codes for human insulin: TTT GTG AAC CAA CAC CTG
b. Write the three-letter and one-letter abbreviations for this corresponding peptide segment.