Translation: Decoding mRNA by tRNA

Question 1

translation

Answer 1

the nucleotide sequence of mRNA is used as a template to join the AAs in a polypeptide chain

Question 2

mRNA

Answer 2

messenger RNA; carries genetic information

Question 3

codon

Answer 3

set of 3-nucleotide sequence that specifies an AA

Question 4

tRNA

Answer 4

transfer RNA; contains anticodon to basepair with codon in mRNA; binds AA & carries it to the growing end of a polypeptide chain

Question 5

rRNA

Answer 5

ribosomal RNA; associates with a set of proteins to form ribosomes

Question 6

ribosome

Answer 6

macromolecular machine; physically moves along mRNA to catalyze the assembly of AA into polypeptide chains; bind tRNA & accessory proteins

Question 7

possible codon sequences in genetic code

Answer 7

64

Question 8

codon sequences that specify amino acids

Answer 8

61

Question 9

codon sequences that specify stop codons

Answer 9

3

Question 10

three-codon sequences that specify stop codons

Answer 10

UAA, UAG, & UGA

Question 11

initiator codon specifying amino-terminal methionine

Answer 11

AUG

Question 12

reading frame

Answer 12

sequence of codons between start and stop

Question 13

aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 13

enzyme that joins AA to tRNA to form aminoacyl-tRNA; uses energy from ATP hydrolysis

Question 14

aminoacyl-tRNA

Answer 14

amino acid + tRNA; called “charged” tRNA

Question 15

2D tRNA structure

Answer 15

stem-loop arrangement; middle loop contains 3-nucleotide sequence (anticodon); 3’ tail (acceptor stem) contains CCA sequence;

Question 16

3D tRNA structure

Answer 16

L-shape with anticodon loop & acceptor stem forming the ends