Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Steps of Translation

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Steps of Translation

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2:31 minutes

Problem 21

Textbook Question

How many amino acids are coded in the DNA segment:
CTC–ATA–CGA–TTC–AAG–TTA?
(a) 18
(b) 9
(c) 6
(d) 3

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand that DNA codes for amino acids through a process involving transcription and translation. Each amino acid is coded by a sequence of three nucleotides called a codon.

Step 2: Recall that during transcription, the DNA sequence is converted into mRNA, and during translation, the mRNA codons are read to assemble amino acids into a protein.

Step 3: Determine the number of nucleotides in the DNA segment mentioned in Review Question 20. Divide the total number of nucleotides by 3 to calculate the number of codons, as each codon corresponds to one amino acid.

Step 4: Consider that the options provided (18, 9, 6, 3) represent the number of amino acids coded by the DNA segment. Match the calculated number of codons to the correct option.

Step 5: Verify your understanding by reviewing the relationship between codons and amino acids, ensuring that the calculation aligns with the principles of genetic coding.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 standard amino acids, each defined by a specific sequence of nucleotides in DNA. The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its structure and function, making them essential for various biological processes.

DNA Codons

DNA codons are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon in the DNA sequence is translated into an amino acid by the ribosome, which reads the mRNA transcribed from the DNA. Understanding codons is crucial for determining how many amino acids are encoded in a given DNA segment.

Translation Process

The translation process is the biological mechanism by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA. During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA codons and assembles the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain. The number of amino acids produced is directly related to the number of codons present in the mRNA, which is derived from the original DNA sequence.