Biology Genetic Code and Translation

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Questions and Answers

What is the main objective of understanding the genetic code?

  • Explain how the genetic code is read
  • Summarize the process of translation
  • Both A and B (correct)
  • None of the above

Which of the following are key words in the translation process? (Select all that apply)

  • Genetic Code (correct)
  • Codon (correct)
  • Anticodon (correct)
  • Translation (correct)

What is the genetic code?

Set of instructions for synthesis of twenty amino acids.

What is a codon?

<p>A three-letter sequence in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many possible three-letter words can be formed from four bases?

<p>64</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are there multiple genetic code words for each amino acid?

<p>There are 64 possible code words and only 20 amino acids.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are terminators?

<p>Codes for the end of a gene.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The first step in the translation process is called ______.

<p>Transcription of RNA</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens following transcription?

<p>Specific transfer RNAs bring specific amino acids to the ribosome where the polypeptide chain is assembled.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do ribosomes do?

<p>They use the sequence of codons in mRNA to assemble amino acids into polypeptide chains.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of tRNA in translation?

<p>tRNA delivers the right amino acid called for by each codon on the mRNA.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What molecule has an anticodon?

<p>The tRNA molecule.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does a ribosome consist of?

<p>rRNA and protein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of reaction forms a peptide bond?

<p>Dehydration synthesis.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is the genetic code read?

<p>Three letters at a time, corresponding to a single amino acid.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the central dogma of molecular biology?

<p>Information is transferred from DNA to RNA to protein.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is gene expression?

<p>The involvement of DNA, RNA, and proteins in putting genetic information into action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the near-universal nature of the genetic code imply?

<p>The genetic code is read three bases at a time and is largely consistent across organisms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Study Notes

Objectives

  • Explain the process of translation and how the genetic code is read.
  • Summarize the key steps in translating mRNA into a polypeptide chain.

Key Terms

  • Anticodon: A three-base sequence on tRNA that pairs with a corresponding codon on mRNA.
  • Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid.
  • Genetic Code: Instructions for synthesizing amino acids, consisting of 64 codons for 20 amino acids.
  • Translation: The conversion of mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids (polypeptide).

Genetic Code

  • Comprised of sets of three nucleotides, known as codons.
  • Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, contributing to protein synthesis.

Codons

  • A total of 64 potential codons can be formed using four nucleotide bases.
  • Several codons can code for the same amino acid; safeguards against mutations.

Terminators

  • Specific sequences that signal the end of gene translation, defining when to stop protein assembly.

mRNA and Transcription

  • mRNA is produced in the nucleus and enters the cytoplasm for translation.
  • The first step of translation involves the transcription of RNA from DNA.

tRNA Role

  • Each tRNA carries an anticodon that matches mRNA codons, ensuring the right amino acid is added.
  • Begin translation at AUG, the start codon for methionine.

Ribosomes

  • Composed of rRNA and proteins, they are the sites where translation occurs.
  • Ribosomes read the sequence of codons in mRNA to link amino acids into polypeptide chains.

Translation Process

  • Involves ribosome binding to mRNA and repetitive addition of amino acids as tRNA brings the correct ones.
  • A dehydration synthesis reaction forms peptide bonds between amino acids.

Polypeptide Formation

  • A polypeptide chain's structure defines protein function and is determined by amino acid order specified by codons.

Completion of Translation

  • The ribosome continues until it reaches a stop codon, at which point the polypeptide and mRNA are released.

Molecular Biology

  • Focuses on understanding biological organisms at a molecular level, notably through the processes of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis.

Central Dogma of Molecular Biology

  • Information flow is generally understood as DNA → RNA → Protein, though exceptions exist.

Gene Expression

  • Involves the processes where DNA, RNA, and proteins execute genetic information in living cells.

Near-Universal Nature of the Genetic Code

  • Despite variability among organisms, the genetic code is consistently interpreted three bases at a time, showcasing unity in diversity among life forms.

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