A short RNA molecule was isolated that demonstrated a hyperchromic shift (see Chapter 10), indicating secondary structure. Its sequence was determined to be

     5'-AGGCGCCGACUCUACU-3'

If the molecule were a tRNA fragment containing a CGA anticodon, what would the corresponding codon be?

Key Concepts

tRNA and Anticodon-Codon Pairing

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon, a set of three nucleotides that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA. In this case, the CGA anticodon would pair with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, which is determined by the base pairing rules (A-U and C-G).

Codon Structure

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or signals the termination of protein synthesis. The genetic code is universal, meaning that the same codons correspond to the same amino acids across different organisms. Understanding the codon structure is essential for translating the genetic information carried by mRNA into functional proteins.

Hyperchromic Shift

A hyperchromic shift refers to an increase in the absorbance of UV light by nucleic acids, often indicating a change in their secondary structure, such as denaturation or the formation of new structures. In the context of RNA, this shift can provide insights into the molecule's folding and stability, which are crucial for its function in protein synthesis and other cellular processes.