For each of the following tRNA anticodon sequences, give the sequence of the corresponding codon sequence, the amino acid carried by the tRNA, and the corresponding DNA coding strand sequence and polarity.

3′-UAC-5′

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the tRNA anticodon sequence: 3′-UAC-5′.
2. Determine the corresponding mRNA codon by pairing the anticodon with complementary bases: A pairs with U, U pairs with A, and C pairs with G. Thus, the mRNA codon is 5′-AUG-3′.
3. Use the genetic code to find the amino acid corresponding to the mRNA codon 5′-AUG-3′. AUG codes for Methionine (Met).
4. Determine the DNA coding strand sequence. The DNA coding strand is identical to the mRNA sequence, except that thymine (T) replaces uracil (U). Therefore, the DNA coding strand is 5′-ATG-3′.
5. State the polarity of the DNA coding strand: 5′ to 3′.

Key Concepts

tRNA and Anticodons

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein. Each tRNA has an anticodon, a three-nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA. The tRNA carries the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome during protein synthesis, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

Codons and Amino Acids

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. The genetic code is universal, meaning that the same codons correspond to the same amino acids across different organisms. For example, the codon corresponding to the tRNA anticodon 3′-UAC-5′ is 5′-AUG-3′, which codes for the amino acid methionine.

DNA Coding Strand and Polarity

The DNA coding strand is the strand of DNA that has the same sequence as the mRNA (except for thymine in DNA being replaced by uracil in RNA). It runs in a 5′ to 3′ direction, which is crucial for transcription and translation processes. Understanding the polarity of nucleic acids is essential, as it determines how they are read and synthesized during gene expression.