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Multiple Choice
How many standard amino acids are incorporated into proteins during translation in humans?
A
20
B
21
C
22
D
18
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context of the question: Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. During this process, amino acids are incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
Recall that standard amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. These are encoded by the genetic code and are universally used in protein synthesis across organisms.
Note that humans use 20 standard amino acids during translation. These amino acids are encoded by codons in the mRNA, which are recognized by tRNA molecules carrying the corresponding amino acids.
Consider the exceptions: Selenocysteine and pyrrolysine are sometimes referred to as the 21st and 22nd amino acids, but they are not universally incorporated into proteins. Selenocysteine is incorporated via a unique mechanism involving a specific mRNA sequence and additional factors.
Conclude that the correct answer depends on whether the question is asking about the universally recognized standard amino acids (20) or includes the rare cases of selenocysteine and pyrrolysine (21 or 22).