Section 9.4 describes the function of tRNA synthetases in attaching amino acids to tRNAs (see Figure 9.16). Suppose the tRNA synthetase responsible for attaching tryptophan to tRNA is mutated in a bacterial strain with the result that the tRNA synthetase functions at about 15% of the efficiency of the wild-type tRNA synthetase. How would this mutation affect attenuation of the tryptophan operon? Explain your answer.
Table of contents
- 1. Introduction to Genetics51m
- 2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
- 3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
- 4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
- 5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
- 6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
- 7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
- 8. DNA Replication1h 10m
- 9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
- 10. Transcription1h 0m
- 11. Translation58m
- 12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
- 13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
- 14. Genetic Control of Development44m
- 15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
- 16. Transposable Elements47m
- 17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
- 18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- 19. Cancer Genetics29m
- 20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
- 21. Population Genetics50m
- 22. Evolutionary Genetics29m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes
Tryptophan Operon and Attenuation
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Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
If tryptophan levels are low, attenuation does what to the trp operon?
A
Translation stalls, forming anti-termination sequence which promotes transcription
B
Translation is activated and promotes tryptophan creation
C
Transcription is inhibited
D
A termination structure is formed blocking translation

1
Understand the role of the trp operon: The trp operon is a group of genes used by bacteria to produce tryptophan when it is not available in the environment.
Recognize the concept of attenuation: Attenuation is a regulatory mechanism that controls gene expression by prematurely terminating transcription based on tryptophan levels.
Identify the effect of low tryptophan levels: When tryptophan levels are low, the ribosome stalls during translation of the leader peptide, which is part of the mRNA transcript.
Explain the formation of the anti-termination sequence: The stalling of the ribosome allows the formation of an anti-termination hairpin structure in the mRNA, preventing the formation of a termination hairpin.
Conclude the effect on transcription: The anti-termination structure allows RNA polymerase to continue transcription of the trp operon, leading to the production of enzymes necessary for tryptophan synthesis.
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