Assuming that each nucleotide in an mRNA is 0.34 nm long, how many triplet codes can simultaneously occupy the space in a ribosome that is 20 nm in diameter?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Calculate the length of a single triplet code by multiplying the length of one nucleotide (0.34 nm) by 3, since a triplet code consists of three nucleotides.
2. Determine how many triplet codes can fit in a linear space of 20 nm by dividing the ribosome's diameter (20 nm) by the length of one triplet code.
3. Consider the spatial arrangement of the mRNA within the ribosome, as it may not be perfectly linear, but for simplicity, assume a linear arrangement for this calculation.
4. Round down the result from the division to ensure that only complete triplet codes are counted, as partial triplets cannot be translated.
5. Reflect on the biological context: the ribosome reads mRNA in triplet codes (codons), so understanding how many can fit helps in visualizing translation efficiency.

Key Concepts

Nucleotide Length

In molecular biology, a nucleotide is the basic building block of nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide in mRNA is approximately 0.34 nanometers (nm) long. This measurement is crucial for calculating how many nucleotides can fit within a given space, such as the diameter of a ribosome.

Triplet Code

The triplet code, or codon, refers to a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid during protein synthesis. Since each codon consists of three nucleotides, understanding how many triplet codes can fit in a given length is essential for determining the capacity of the ribosome in terms of protein synthesis.

Ribosome Structure

Ribosomes are cellular structures responsible for synthesizing proteins by translating mRNA into amino acid sequences. The diameter of a ribosome, in this case, is 20 nm, which provides a spatial constraint for how many triplet codes can be accommodated. Understanding ribosome dimensions is key to solving problems related to protein synthesis and mRNA translation.