Textbook Question
A portion of a DNA template strand has the base sequence
5′-...ACGCGATGCGTGATGTATAGAGCT...-3′
Identify the sequence and polarity of the mRNA transcribed from this fragmentary template-strand sequence.
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11. Translation
The Genetic Code
2:18 minutesProblem 7
Textbook Question
In the triplet binding technique, radioactivity remains on the filter when the amino acid corresponding to the codon is labeled. Explain the rationale for this technique.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the triplet binding technique: This method is used to determine which amino acid corresponds to a specific codon in the genetic code. It involves the use of ribosomes, tRNA, and labeled amino acids.
Recognize the role of the codon: A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid. In this technique, synthetic mRNA codons are used to test their binding to tRNA carrying specific amino acids.
Explain the binding process: When a synthetic codon is introduced, it binds to the ribosome and attracts the complementary tRNA carrying the corresponding amino acid. If the amino acid is labeled (e.g., with radioactivity), it can be detected.
Describe the filter step: The ribosome-tRNA complex is retained on a filter, while unbound molecules pass through. If the labeled amino acid remains on the filter, it indicates that the codon successfully matched with the tRNA carrying that amino acid.
Summarize the rationale: The technique relies on the specificity of codon-tRNA pairing and the detection of labeled amino acids to identify which codon corresponds to which amino acid, helping to decode the genetic code.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Triplet Binding Technique
The triplet binding technique is a method used to study the interaction between mRNA codons and their corresponding amino acids during protein synthesis. It involves using labeled amino acids to determine which amino acid is incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain based on the codon sequence. This technique helps elucidate the genetic code and the specificity of tRNA molecules in recognizing codons.
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Codon-Amino Acid Relationship
Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids during translation. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, as defined by the genetic code. Understanding this relationship is crucial for interpreting how genetic information is translated into functional proteins, and it underpins the rationale for using labeled amino acids in the triplet binding technique.
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Radioactive Labeling
Radioactive labeling involves attaching a radioactive isotope to a molecule, such as an amino acid, to track its incorporation into proteins. In the context of the triplet binding technique, the labeled amino acid allows researchers to visualize and confirm which amino acid is bound to the codon on the filter. This method provides a clear indication of the specificity and efficiency of codon recognition by tRNA during protein synthesis.
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