Protein Synthesis and Genetic Code Flashcards
Makes up the genetic code
codon
Translation of the genetic code would be carried out through meditation of adapter molecules such as
tRNA
(Features of the Genetic Code)
multiple codons decode the same amino acid - due to wobble
Degenerate/Degeneracy
AA that do not have a degenerate feature
- methionine
- tryptophan
(Features of the Genetic Code)
specific codon will only code for a single AA
Unambiguous
(Features of the Genetic Code)
the genetic code during translation does not involve any overlap of codons
Non-overlapping
(Features of the Genetic Code)
Once the reading is commenced at a specific codon, there is no punctuation between codons
Message is read in a continuing sequence of nucleotide triplets until termination codon is reached
Not punctuated
(Features of the Genetic Code)
- tRNA in the mitochondria reads 4 codons different from the cytoplasm
- 22 tRNA for genetic code of mitochondria
- 31 tRNA for cytoplasmic translation
Universal
3 of the 64 codons DO NOT code for specific amino acids termed as () - utilized as translation termination signals
non-sense codons
RNA directed synthesis of polypeptides
Translation
a two step reaction catalyzed by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases
Charging (recognition & attachment)
- of amino acid and tRNA
Amino acid activation forms (1) using the enzyme (2)
The enzyme attaches the AA to the alpha-phosphate of ATP with the concomitant release of pyrophosphate
(1) AMP-amino acid enzyme complex
(2) aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase
What happens after amino acid is activated?
attachment of the activate AA to tRNA
What enzyme catalyzes the transfer of the amino acid to either the 2’- or 3’-OH of the ribose portion of the 3’-terminal adenosine residue of the tRNA generating the activated aminoacyl-tRNA
aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase
link between the amino acid and tRNA
ester linkage