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

Genetic Code

Anatomy & Physiology

3. Energy & Cell Processes

Genetic Code

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Problem 6

Textbook Question

For each of these statements about the genetic code, select True or False.a. T/F Wobble pairing accounts for the redundancy of the genetic code.b. T/F There are 64 different tRNAs that read the 64 possible codons.c. T/F All possible codons are used, but not all codons specify an amino acid.d. T/F Some codons are recognized by proteins, not by tRNAs.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the concept of wobble pairing and understand how it relates to the redundancy of the genetic code. Wobble pairing allows a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons, thus contributing to the redundancy.

Review the structure and function of tRNA molecules. Consider how many tRNAs exist and whether each codon has a unique corresponding tRNA or if some tRNAs can pair with multiple codons due to the wobble base pairing.

Examine the genetic code chart to determine if all 64 codons are used and what each codon specifies. Check if there are any codons that do not specify an amino acid and are instead stop codons.

Understand the role of tRNAs in the translation process and investigate whether any codons are recognized by proteins instead of tRNAs. Consider the roles of other molecules like release factors in translation.

Compile your findings to determine the truth value of each statement based on the concepts of genetic code, tRNA function, and codon usage.

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Key Concepts

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

Wobble Pairing

Wobble pairing refers to the flexibility in base pairing between the third position of a codon in mRNA and the corresponding anticodon in tRNA. This phenomenon allows a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons that code for the same amino acid, contributing to the redundancy of the genetic code. This flexibility helps to minimize the impact of mutations and ensures efficient protein synthesis.

Codons and tRNAs

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids during protein synthesis. There are 64 possible codons, but not all of them correspond to unique tRNAs; in fact, there are fewer than 64 distinct tRNAs due to the wobble effect. This means that multiple codons can be read by the same tRNA, which is crucial for the efficiency of translation.

Codon Usage

Codon usage refers to the frequency with which different codons are used to encode amino acids in a given organism. While there are 64 codons, not all are utilized in every organism, and some codons may not specify an amino acid at all, serving instead as stop signals. Understanding codon usage is important for comprehending how genetic information is translated into functional proteins.