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


c. histidine

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids.
2. Recall that the genetic code is universal and each amino acid is encoded by one or more codons.
3. Identify that histidine is an amino acid represented by the single-letter code 'H'.
4. Consult the genetic code table to find the codons that correspond to histidine.
5. Note that the codons for histidine are CAU and CAC.

Key Concepts

Codons

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon specifies which amino acid will be added next in the growing polypeptide chain. The genetic code is universal, meaning that the same codons generally code for the same amino acids across different organisms.

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. Histidine is one of these amino acids, known for its role in enzyme active sites and as a precursor for histamine.

Histidine Codons

Histidine is encoded by three specific codons in the genetic code: CAU, CAC, and CAA. These codons are recognized by transfer RNA (tRNA) during translation, allowing the incorporation of histidine into proteins. Understanding these codons is essential for studying protein synthesis and genetic expression.