Table of contents

1. Introduction to Genetics51m
2. Mendel's Laws of Inheritance3h 37m
3. Extensions to Mendelian Inheritance2h 41m
4. Genetic Mapping and Linkage2h 28m
5. Genetics of Bacteria and Viruses1h 21m
6. Chromosomal Variation1h 48m
7. DNA and Chromosome Structure56m
8. DNA Replication1h 10m
9. Mitosis and Meiosis1h 34m
10. Transcription1h 0m
11. Translation58m
12. Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes1h 19m
13. Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes44m
14. Genetic Control of Development44m
15. Genomes and Genomics1h 50m
16. Transposable Elements47m
17. Mutation, Repair, and Recombination1h 6m
18. Molecular Genetic Tools19m
- Genetic Cloning
  9m
- Methods for Analyzing DNA
  9m
19. Cancer Genetics29m
- Overview of Cancer
  21m
- Cancer Mutations
  7m
20. Quantitative Genetics1h 26m
21. Population Genetics50m
- Hardy Weinberg
  19m
- Allelic Frequency Changes
  31m
22. Evolutionary Genetics29m

11. Translation

Transfer RNA

Genetics

11. Translation

Transfer RNA

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1:59 minutes

Problem 4

Textbook Question

Francis Crick proposed the 'adaptor hypothesis' for the function of tRNA. Why did he choose that description?

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the context: Francis Crick proposed the 'adaptor hypothesis' to explain how the genetic code in mRNA is translated into proteins, focusing on the role of tRNA in this process.

Recognize that the term 'adaptor' refers to the function of tRNA as a molecular bridge that connects the nucleotide sequence of mRNA to the amino acid sequence of proteins.

Note that tRNA molecules have two important sites: one that recognizes and binds to a specific codon on the mRNA through its anticodon, and another that carries the corresponding amino acid.

Realize that Crick described tRNA as an 'adaptor' because it adapts or translates the language of nucleic acids (codons) into the language of proteins (amino acids), facilitating accurate protein synthesis.

Summarize that the 'adaptor hypothesis' highlights the essential role of tRNA in decoding genetic information by physically linking codons to their respective amino acids during translation.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Adaptor Hypothesis

The adaptor hypothesis, proposed by Francis Crick, suggests that tRNA acts as an adaptor molecule that translates the nucleotide sequence of mRNA into the amino acid sequence of proteins. It 'adapts' the genetic code by matching specific codons on mRNA with their corresponding amino acids during protein synthesis.

Function of tRNA

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a small RNA molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome during translation. Each tRNA has an anticodon region that pairs with a complementary mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

Genetic Code Translation

The genetic code consists of codons, three-nucleotide sequences on mRNA that specify amino acids. Translation is the process where ribosomes read mRNA codons and, with the help of tRNA adaptors, assemble amino acids in the correct order to form proteins.