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Multiple Choice
In messenger RNA (mRNA), each codon specifies a particular:
A
Amino acid
B
Nucleotide
C
Ribosome
D
Polysaccharide
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a codon: A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
Recall the process of translation: During translation, the ribosome reads the mRNA codons and matches them with the appropriate amino acids using transfer RNA (tRNA). Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with the mRNA codon and carries the corresponding amino acid.
Eliminate incorrect options: A nucleotide is a building block of RNA and DNA, not a product specified by a codon. A ribosome is the cellular machinery that facilitates translation but is not specified by codons. Polysaccharides are carbohydrates and are unrelated to codons.
Focus on the correct option: Each codon in mRNA specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal, which is essential for building a protein during translation.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the above steps, the correct answer is 'Amino acid,' as codons directly correspond to amino acids in the genetic code.