In a coding experiment using repeating copolymers (as demonstrated in Table 13.3), the following data were obtained: Copolymer Codons Produced Amino Acids in Polypeptide AG AGA, GAG Arg, Glu AAG AGA, AAG, GAA Lys, Arg, Glu AGG is known to code for arginine. Taking into account the wobble hypothesis, assign each of the four codons produced in the experiment to its correct amino acid.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the codons produced by each copolymer: AG produces AGA and GAG, while AAG produces AGA, AAG, and GAA.
2. List the amino acids associated with each codon: AGA and AGG code for Arginine (Arg), GAG codes for Glutamic acid (Glu), and AAG codes for Lysine (Lys).
3. Apply the wobble hypothesis, which allows for flexibility in the third base of the codon, to determine possible amino acid assignments.
4. Assign AGA to Arginine (Arg) since it is common in both copolymers and known to code for Arg.
5. Assign GAG to Glutamic acid (Glu) and AAG to Lysine (Lys) based on the known codon assignments and the wobble hypothesis.

Key Concepts

Codons and Amino Acids

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon is matched to an amino acid based on the genetic code, which is universal across most organisms. Understanding the relationship between codons and their respective amino acids is crucial for interpreting the results of genetic experiments.

Wobble Hypothesis

The wobble hypothesis explains how the third nucleotide in a codon can vary without affecting the amino acid that is produced. This flexibility allows for some redundancy in the genetic code, where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. Recognizing this concept is essential for accurately assigning codons to their corresponding amino acids in the context of the experiment.

Copolymers in Genetic Experiments

Copolymers are polymers made from two or more different monomers, and in genetic experiments, they can be used to study the effects of varying sequences on protein synthesis. By analyzing how different copolymers produce specific codons and amino acids, researchers can gain insights into the mechanisms of translation and the role of sequence variation in protein function.