Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Types of RNA

GOB Chemistry

26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis

Types of RNA

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3:31 minutes

Problem 47

Textbook Question

What is the difference between a codon and an anticodon?

Verified step by step guidance

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on messenger RNA (mRNA) that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. It is part of the genetic code.

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on transfer RNA (tRNA) that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA. It helps ensure the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.

The codon and anticodon pair through complementary base pairing: adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G).

The codon is located on the mRNA strand, which is read during translation, while the anticodon is part of the tRNA molecule that carries the corresponding amino acid.

In summary, the codon provides the genetic instructions, and the anticodon ensures the correct amino acid is delivered to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

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Key Concepts

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

Codon

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in messenger RNA (mRNA) that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Codons are read by the ribosome during translation, and each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid according to the genetic code. For example, the codon AUG codes for the amino acid methionine and also serves as the start signal for translation.

Anticodon

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides found on transfer RNA (tRNA) that is complementary to a specific codon on mRNA. The anticodon allows tRNA to recognize and bind to the corresponding codon during protein synthesis, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. For instance, if the mRNA codon is UAC, the tRNA anticodon would be AUG, bringing in the appropriate amino acid.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in mRNA is translated into proteins. It consists of 64 codons that correspond to 20 amino acids and includes start and stop signals. The universality of the genetic code across different organisms highlights its fundamental role in biology, allowing for the translation of genetic information into functional proteins.