List the possible codons for each of the following amino acids:


a. valine

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the genetic code table, which maps codons to amino acids.
2. Locate the amino acid 'valine' in the genetic code table.
3. Note that each amino acid can be encoded by more than one codon due to the redundancy of the genetic code.
4. List all the codons that correspond to valine. These are typically four codons.
5. Ensure that the codons are written in the standard 5' to 3' direction.

Key Concepts

Codons

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. Each codon is part of the genetic code, which translates the information encoded in DNA into functional proteins. Understanding codons is essential for determining which amino acids are produced during translation.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids, each with a unique side chain that determines its properties and role in protein structure and function. Valine is one of these amino acids, classified as a branched-chain amino acid, which plays a crucial role in muscle metabolism and energy production.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA is translated into the amino acid sequence of proteins. It is universal among almost all organisms and consists of 64 codons that specify the 20 amino acids, including multiple codons for some amino acids, such as valine, which can be encoded by GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG.