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Ch. 17 - Gene Expression: From Gene to Protein
Campbell - Campbell Biology 12th Edition
Urry12th EditionCampbell BiologyISBN: 9785794169850Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksUrry 12th EditionCh. 17 - Gene Expression: From Gene to ProteinProblem 3
Chapter 17, Problem 3

The anticodon of a particular tRNA molecule is
a. Complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon
b. Complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA
c. The part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid
d. Catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of tRNA in protein synthesis: tRNA molecules are responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during translation, matching them with the correct mRNA codons.
Identify the structure of tRNA: tRNA has an anticodon region that is crucial for its function. This anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides.
Recognize the relationship between anticodon and mRNA codon: The anticodon of tRNA is complementary to the mRNA codon, meaning it pairs with the mRNA sequence during translation.
Clarify the function of the anticodon: The anticodon ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain by matching with the mRNA codon.
Evaluate the options given in the problem: Based on the understanding of tRNA and its anticodon, determine which option correctly describes the anticodon as complementary to the mRNA codon.

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Key Concepts

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

Anticodon

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in a tRNA molecule that is complementary to a specific mRNA codon. During translation, the anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This base pairing is crucial for the fidelity of protein synthesis.
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Introduction to Translation

mRNA Codon

An mRNA codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on messenger RNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Codons are read by the ribosome in the 5' to 3' direction, and each codon matches with a complementary anticodon on tRNA, facilitating the translation of genetic information into proteins.
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2) mRNA Protection in the Cytoplasm

tRNA Function

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. It carries specific amino acids to the ribosome, where its anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon, allowing the ribosome to add the correct amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain. tRNA is essential for translating genetic information into functional proteins.
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Functional Groups
Related Practice
Textbook Question

In eukaryotic cells, transcription cannot begin until

a. The two DNA strands have completely separated and exposed the promoter.

b. Several transcription factors have bound to the promoter.

c. The 5′ caps are removed from the mRNA.

d. The DNA introns are removed from the template.

Textbook Question

Which of the following is true of a codon?

a. It never codes for the same amino acid as another codon.

b. It can code for more than one amino acid.

c. It can be either in DNA or in RNA

d. It is the basic unit of protein structure

Textbook Question

Which of the following is true of RNA processing? (A) Exons are cut out before mRNA leaves the nucleus. (B) Nucleotides are added at both ends of the RNA. (C) Ribozymes may function in the addition of a 5′ cap. (D) RNA splicing adds a poly-A tail to the mRNA.

Textbook Question

Which component is directly involved in translation?


A. RNA polymerase

B. ribosome

C. spliceosome

D. DNA

Textbook Question

Using Figure 17.6, identify a 5′→3′ sequence of nucleotides in the DNA template strand for an mRNA coding for the polypeptide sequence Phe-Pro-Lys.



a. 5′-UUUCCCAAA-3′

b. 5′-GAACCCCTT-3′

c. 5′-CTTCGGGAA-3′

d. 5′-AAACCCUUU-3′