Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Peptide Hormones
Peptide hormones are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They are synthesized in the ribosomes and play crucial roles in various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and pigmentation. Understanding the structure and function of peptide hormones, like α-MSH, is essential for grasping how they influence biological functions.
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Genetic Code
The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins. Each amino acid in a protein is specified by a sequence of three nucleotides, known as a codon, in the mRNA. Knowing how the genetic code translates nucleotide sequences into amino acids is vital for determining the mRNA length corresponding to a given peptide.
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The Genetic Code Concept 1
mRNA Synthesis
mRNA synthesis, or transcription, is the process by which a segment of DNA is copied into mRNA. This process involves the enzyme RNA polymerase and results in a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis. Understanding mRNA synthesis is crucial for calculating the number of nucleotides needed to encode a specific peptide sequence.
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Transcription: mRNA Synthesis Concept 1