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Ch. 9 - The Molecular Biology of Translation
Sanders - Genetic Analysis: An Integrated Approach 3rd Edition
Sanders3rd EditionGenetic Analysis: An Integrated ApproachISBN: 9780135564172Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 9, Problem 11a

Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence:
5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′
Diagram translation at the moment the fourth amino acid is added to the polypeptide chain. Show the ribosome; label its A, P, and E sites; show its direction of movement; and indicate the position and anticodon triplet sequence of tRNAs that are currently interacting with mRNA codons.

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Identify the start codon (AUG) in the given mRNA sequence. This is where translation begins, and it codes for methionine (Met). The ribosome assembles at this site, and the first tRNA carrying methionine binds to the P site of the ribosome.
Determine the codons in the mRNA sequence following the start codon. Divide the sequence into triplets (codons) starting from AUG. For example, the sequence after AUG is CAG, AUC, CAU, GCC, etc. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid.
Focus on the fourth amino acid being added to the polypeptide chain. To determine this, identify the fourth codon in the sequence after the start codon. The ribosome moves along the mRNA in the 5′ to 3′ direction, adding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
Diagram the ribosome at the moment the fourth amino acid is being added. Label the A (aminoacyl), P (peptidyl), and E (exit) sites. The tRNA carrying the fourth amino acid will be in the A site, the tRNA carrying the third amino acid will be in the P site, and the tRNA that delivered the second amino acid will be exiting from the E site.
Indicate the anticodon triplet sequence of the tRNAs interacting with the mRNA codons. The anticodon is complementary to the mRNA codon and is found on the tRNA. For example, if the mRNA codon in the A site is GCC, the anticodon on the tRNA will be CGG. Similarly, determine the anticodons for the tRNAs in the P and E sites.

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Key Concepts

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

Translation Process

Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. It involves decoding the mRNA sequence into a polypeptide chain, where each set of three nucleotides (codon) corresponds to a specific amino acid. The process occurs in three stages: initiation, elongation, and termination, with the ribosome facilitating the assembly of amino acids into a protein.
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mRNA Processing

Ribosome Structure and Function

The ribosome is a complex molecular machine composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, crucial for protein synthesis. It has three binding sites: the A (aminoacyl) site, where new tRNA molecules enter; the P (peptidyl) site, where the growing polypeptide chain is held; and the E (exit) site, where empty tRNAs leave the ribosome. Understanding the ribosome's structure is essential for visualizing how translation occurs.
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Ribosome Structure

tRNA and Anticodon Interaction

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules are responsible for bringing amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Each tRNA has an anticodon region that is complementary to a specific mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. The interaction between tRNA anticodons and mRNA codons is critical for maintaining the accuracy of protein synthesis.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

If a man and a woman are each heterozygous carriers of a mutation causing a disease on the RUSP list, what do you think are the three or four most important factors they should consider in their decision making about having children?

Textbook Question

Compare and contrast the composition and structure of bacterial and eukaryotic ribosomes, identifying at least three features that are the same and three features that are unique to each type of ribosome.

Textbook Question

Suppose a man and a woman are each heterozygous carriers of a mutation causing a fatal hereditary disease not on the RUSP list. Prenatal genetic testing can identify the genotype of a fetus with regard to this disease and can identify fetuses with the disease. What do you think are the three or four most important factors this couple should consider in their decision making about having children?

Textbook Question

Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence:

5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′

What is the anticodon triplet sequence of the next tRNA to interact with mRNA?

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Textbook Question

Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence:

5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′

What events occur to permit the next tRNA to interact with mRNA?

Textbook Question

If you were to look up Gaucher disease on the OMIM website, you would see that there are three major types, designated Type I (OMIM 230800), Type II (OMIM 230900), and Type III (OMIM 231000). All three types are mutations of the gene for acid-β-glucosidase, encoded on chromosome 1. Different mutations of this gene produce the three types of Gaucher disease that differ somewhat in their symptoms and disease severity.

Thinking about the production or function of the acid-β-glucosidase enzyme, why do you suppose different mutations of this gene produce differences in symptoms and disease severity?