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Chapter 14: Problem 4

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: Francis Crick chose the term "adaptor" to describe the function of tRNA in his "adaptor hypothesis" because tRNA molecules act as a bridge, or adaptor, between the genetic information in mRNA and the amino acids that make up proteins. They have the ability to "translate" or "adapt" the information (codon) in mRNA into a specific amino acid, which plays a critical role in the process of protein synthesis.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the adaptor hypothesis

The "adaptor hypothesis" was proposed by Francis Crick in order to explain how amino acids are added to growing polypeptide chains during protein synthesis. At the time, it was not known exactly how amino acids were assembled onto the polypeptide chains. Crick's hypothesis suggested that there must be intermediate molecules between the amino acids and the mRNA template known as transfer RNA (tRNA). These tRNA molecules would "adapt" the genetic code present in mRNA into a specific amino acid sequence.
02

Explaining the role of tRNA in protein synthesis

The transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules are essential parts of the protein synthesis process. They play a crucial role in translating the genetic information carried by mRNA into the sequence of amino acids that make up proteins. In this process, tRNA molecules act as carriers, bringing amino acids to ribosomes where they are added to the growing polypeptide chain. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid that matches a three-base sequence, or codon, on the mRNA.
03

Understanding the term "adaptor"

The term "adaptor" was chosen because tRNA molecules act as a bridge, or "adaptor", between the genetic information in mRNA and the amino acids that make up proteins. They have the ability to "translate" or "adapt" the information (codon) in mRNA into a specific amino acid - a critical step in protein synthesis.
04

Explaining the significance of tRNA as an adaptor

The choice of the term "adaptor" highlights tRNA's unique function in the protein synthesis process. By "adapting" the genetic code in mRNA into a specific amino acid, tRNA molecules allow for the correct assembly of proteins, which are essential for the proper functioning of cells and organisms. In summary, Francis Crick chose the term "adaptor" to describe the function of tRNA in his "adaptor hypothesis" because tRNA molecules bridge the gap between the genetic information in mRNA and the amino acids that form proteins, acting as key "adaptors" in the process of protein synthesis.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Three independently assorting genes are known to control the following biochemical pathway that provides the basis for flower color in a hypothetical plant: Colorless \(\stackrel{A^{-}}{\longrightarrow}\) yellow \(\stackrel{B^{-}}{\longrightarrow}\) green \(\stackrel{C-}{\longrightarrow}\) speckled Three homozygous recessive mutations are also known, each of which interrupts a different one of these steps. Determine the phenotypic results in the \(\mathrm{F}_{1}\) and \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\) generations resulting from the \(P_{1}\) crosses of true-breeding plants listed here: (a) speckled \((A A B B C C) \times\) yellow \((A A b b C C)\) (b) yellow \((A A b b C C) \times \operatorname{green}(A A B B c c)\) (c) colorless \((a a B B C C) \times\) green \((A A B B c c)\)

In this chapter, we focused on the translation of mRNA into proteins as well as on protein structure and function. Along the way, we found many opportunities to consider the methods and reasoning by which much of this information was acquired. From the explanations given in the chapter, what answers would you propose to the following fundamental questions: (a) What experimentally derived information led to Holley's proposal of the two-dimensional cloverleaf model of tRNA? (b) What experimental information verifies that certain codons in mRNA specify chain termination during translation? (c) How do we know, based on studies of Neurospora nutritional mutations, that one gene specifies one enzyme? (d) On what basis have we concluded that proteins are the end products of genetic expression? (e) What experimental information directly confirms that the genetic code, as shown in Figure \(13-7,\) is correct? (f) How do we know that the structure of a protein is intimately related to the function of that protein?

List as many different categories of protein functions as you can. Wherever possible, give an example of each category.

Knowing the quaternary structure of proteins, specifically their surface properties, provides novel opportunities for enhancing the development of targeted drug therapies. (a) Referring to Figure \(14-16\) and the accompanying discussion, predict the class(es) of amino acids likely to reside on the surface of a protein within a cell. (b) Assuming that Glu, Arg, and Asp exist in a functional site of a receptor molecule on the surface of a cell, provide an amino acid sequence that is likely to be effective in blocking that site. (c) The androgen receptor associated with prostate cancer has recently been targeted using synthetic molecules known generally as peptidomimetics, many of which incorporate D-amino acid stereoisomers rather than the more naturally occurring L-amino acid stereoisomers. Why might \(\mathrm{D}\) -amino acid stereoisomers be especially useful for inhibiting a functional site of the androgen receptor, or any deleterious functional site for that matter? (d) Rational drug design is a relatively recent approach to the design of targeted therapeutic agents. Predict how knowledge of protein structure, especially surface properties, might be used in rational drug design as compared with the more classical "trial-and-error" approach.

Phenylketonuria is a recessive metabolic disease caused by the absence of the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase. What is the phenotype of the disease, and what causes the phenotype to develop?
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