Describe the central dogma of molecular genetics and how it serves as the basis of modern genetics.

A portion of a DNA template strand has the base sequence

5′-...ACGCGATGCGTGATGTATAGAGCT...-3′

Assume the mRNA is written in the correct reading frame. Determine the amino acid sequence encoded by this fragment. Identify the N- and C-terminal directions of the polypeptide.

During translation, what molecule bears the codon? the anticodon?

The α chain of eukaryotic hemoglobin is composed of 141 amino acids. What is the minimum number of nucleotides in an mRNA coding for this polypeptide chain?

Assuming that each nucleotide in an mRNA is 0.34 nm long, how many triplet codes can simultaneously occupy the space in a ribosome that is 20 nm in diameter?

When a codon in an mRNA with the sequence 5'-UAA-3' enters the A site of a ribosome, it is not recognized by a tRNA with a complementary anticodon. Why not? What recognizes it instead?

The three major forms of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA) interact during translation.

Compared to the average stability of mRNA in E. coli, is mRNA in a typical human cell more stable or less stable? Why?

The three major forms of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA) interact during translation.

Which form of RNA is least stable in eukaryotes? Why is this form least stable?

The three major forms of RNA (mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA) interact during translation.

Which of the three types of RNA might you expect to be the least stable? Why?