11. Translation

Transfer RNA

Multiple Choice
Which of the following structures is not a part of a transfer RNA?
Multiple Choice
Which of the following enzymes is responsible for attaching amino acids onto the tRNA?
Open Question
In this chapter, we focused on the translation of mRNA into proteins as well as on protein structure and function. Along the way, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions:

What experimentally derived information led to Holley's proposal of the two-dimensional cloverleaf model of tRNA?
Open Question
Francis Crick proposed the 'adaptor hypothesis' for the function of tRNA. Why did he choose that description?
Open Question
Describe three features of tRNA molecules that lead to their correct charging by tRNA synthetase enzymes.
Open Question
Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-GAU-3′
Open Question
Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-AUG-3′
Open Question
Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-CUC-3′
Open Question
Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-AAA-3′
Open Question
Identify the amino acid carried by tRNAs with the following anticodon sequences.

5′-UAG-3′
Open Question
Summarize the steps involved in charging tRNAs with their appropriate amino acids.
Open Question
For each of the anticodon sequences given in the previous problem, identify the other codon sequence to which it could potentially pair using third base wobble.
Open Question
To carry out its role, each transfer RNA requires at least four specific recognition sites that must be inherent in its tertiary structure. What are they?
Open Question
What are isoaccepting tRNAs? Assuming that there are only 20 different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases but 31 different tRNAs, speculate on parameters that might be used to ensure that each charged tRNA has received the correct amino acid.
Open Question
Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence: 5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′ What events occur to permit the next tRNA to interact with mRNA?