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Multiple Choice
How does the tRNA synthetase enzyme charge a tRNA with the correct amino acid during translation?
A
By using ATP to form a high-energy bond between the amino acid and tRNA
B
By directly binding the amino acid to the ribosome
C
By synthesizing the amino acid from precursor molecules
D
By matching the anticodon of the tRNA with the codon on mRNA
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of tRNA synthetase: This enzyme is responsible for attaching the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA, a process known as 'charging' the tRNA.
Recognize the importance of ATP: tRNA synthetase uses ATP to activate the amino acid, forming an aminoacyl-AMP intermediate. This step is crucial for creating a high-energy bond.
Formation of aminoacyl-tRNA: The activated amino acid is then transferred to the tRNA, forming a covalent bond between the amino acid and the 3' end of the tRNA, resulting in a charged tRNA.
Specificity of tRNA synthetase: Each tRNA synthetase is specific to one amino acid and its corresponding tRNA(s), ensuring that the correct amino acid is attached to the correct tRNA based on the anticodon-codon pairing.
Role in translation: The charged tRNA is then used during translation to add the correct amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain, as dictated by the mRNA codon sequence.