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Multiple Choice
The codon UAA is known as a stop codon. What does it code for in protein synthesis?
A
Stop signal
B
Leucine
C
Tryptophan
D
Methionine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of codons in protein synthesis: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or signals during protein synthesis.
Identify the function of stop codons: Stop codons are specific sequences that signal the termination of protein synthesis, indicating that the ribosome should stop adding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.
Recognize the specific stop codons: In the genetic code, there are three stop codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA. These do not code for any amino acids but instead signal the end of translation.
Analyze the given codon: The problem specifies the codon UAA. Recall that UAA is one of the three stop codons.
Conclude the function of UAA: Since UAA is a stop codon, it does not code for an amino acid like Leucine, Tryptophan, or Methionine, but instead serves as a stop signal in protein synthesis.