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Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
All textbooksSanders 3rd EditionCh. 9 - The Molecular Biology of TranslationProblem 7
Chapter 9, Problem 7

Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-UAG-3′

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1
Identify the mRNA codon that pairs with the given tRNA anticodon. The anticodon 5'-UAG-3' pairs with the mRNA codon 5'-CUA-3'.
Use the genetic code table to find the amino acid corresponding to the mRNA codon 5'-CUA-3'.
The mRNA codon 5'-CUA-3' codes for a specific amino acid.
Verify the amino acid by cross-referencing with a reliable genetic code chart.
Conclude which amino acid is carried by the tRNA with the anticodon 5'-UAG-3'.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

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 molecule has an anticodon, a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to a corresponding codon on the mRNA. The anticodon ensures that the correct amino acid is added during protein synthesis.
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tRNA

Codon-Amino Acid Relationship

In the genetic code, a codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid. The relationship between codons and amino acids is defined by the genetic code, which is nearly universal among organisms. For example, the codon UAG is a stop codon, which signals the termination of protein synthesis rather than coding for an amino acid.
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tRNA

Stop Codons

Stop codons are specific sequences in mRNA that signal the end of translation, the process of synthesizing proteins. The three stop codons—UAA, UAG, and UGA—do not correspond to any amino acids and instead instruct the ribosome to release the newly formed polypeptide chain. In this case, the anticodon 5′-UAG-3′ indicates that the tRNA does not carry an amino acid but rather signals the termination of protein synthesis.
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Translation Termination
Related Practice
Textbook Question

A portion of a DNA template strand has the base sequence 5′-...ACGCGATGCGTGATGTATAGAGCT...-3′

Assume the mRNA is written in the correct reading frame. Determine the amino acid sequence encoded by this fragment. Identify the N- and C-terminal directions of the polypeptide.

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Textbook Question

What are the differences between the universal code and that found in the mitochondria of some species? Given that some changes (UGA =stop→Trp) have occurred multiple independent times in evolution, can you think of any selective advantage to the mitochondrial code?

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Textbook Question

Describe three features of tRNA molecules that lead to their correct charging by tRNA synthetase enzymes.

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Textbook Question

Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-AAA-3′

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Textbook Question

Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-CUC-3′

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Textbook Question

Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-AUG-3′

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