In an _in vitro_ translation experiment, what is the maximum number of different amino acids that could be encoded by the synthetic mRNA sequence 5' UGCUGCUGC 3'?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking us to determine the maximum number of different amino acids that can be encoded by the given synthetic mRNA sequence (5' UGCUGCUGC 3') during in vitro translation. Since the genetic code is read in triplets (codons), we need to identify the possible codons within this sequence and determine how many different amino acids they could potentially code for.
Answer
One
With the mRNA sequence 5' UGCUGCUGC 3', the repeating codon is UGC. UGC codes for the amino acid cysteine. Therefore, a maximum of only one type of amino acid could be encoded.
Answer for screen readers
With the mRNA sequence 5' UGCUGCUGC 3', the repeating codon is UGC. UGC codes for the amino acid cysteine. Therefore, a maximum of only one type of amino acid could be encoded.
More Information
The genetic code is degenerate, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. However, in this case, there is only one codon.
Tips
Be careful with reading frame shifts; however, with a repeating sequence, all reading frames will produce the same result.
Sources
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