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Multiple Choice
Which model correctly represents the polarity between mRNA and tRNA during translation?
A
The tRNA anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon in a parallel orientation, both 5' to 3'.
B
Both mRNA and tRNA anticodon are read in the 5' to 3' direction and pair parallel to each other.
C
The mRNA is read 3' to 5', and the tRNA anticodon pairs parallel (3' to 5') to the mRNA codon.
D
The mRNA is read 5' to 3', and the tRNA anticodon pairs antiparallel (3' to 5') to the mRNA codon.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the process of translation. Translation is the process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA as a template. During this process, tRNA molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome and pair their anticodons with the codons on the mRNA strand.
Step 2: Recall the directionality of nucleic acids. mRNA is always read in the 5' to 3' direction during translation. This is a fundamental rule of molecular biology, as the ribosome moves along the mRNA strand in this direction.
Step 3: Understand the pairing between mRNA codons and tRNA anticodons. The tRNA anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon in an antiparallel orientation. This means that if the mRNA codon is read 5' to 3', the tRNA anticodon pairs in the 3' to 5' direction.
Step 4: Clarify the concept of antiparallel orientation. Antiparallel means that the two strands or sequences are oriented in opposite directions. For example, if the mRNA codon sequence is AUG (5' to 3'), the tRNA anticodon sequence would be UAC (3' to 5').
Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options. The correct model must reflect the antiparallel pairing between mRNA and tRNA. The mRNA is read 5' to 3', and the tRNA anticodon pairs antiparallel (3' to 5') to the mRNA codon. This aligns with the rules of translation and molecular biology.