Question

tRNA adapts specific triplet codons in mRNA to their correctamino acids. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer.

Short answer

Explain your answer. Answer: Yes, the statement is correct. During translation, tRNA molecules recognize and bind to specific codons on mRNA, carrying the correct amino acid to the ribosome. This is achieved through the anticodon region present on tRNA molecules, which allows them to specifically pair with complementary codons on the mRNA. This ensures the correct amino acids are incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the process of translation

Translation is the process during protein synthesis in which the genetic information encoded in mRNA is used to build a polypeptide chain formed by amino acids. This occurs in the ribosome, where mRNA is decoded into a sequence of amino acids. The sequence of nucleotide triplets (called codons) in the mRNA determines the order of amino acids in the polypeptide chain.

Role of tRNA

Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules are responsible for carrying amino acids to the ribosome and pairing the correct amino acid with its corresponding mRNA codon. Each tRNA molecule has a unique anticodon region that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA molecule.

Analyze the statement

The statement: "tRNA adapts specific triplet codons in mRNA to their correct amino acids," is essentially describing the role of tRNA during translation. The process involves tRNA molecules recognizing and binding to specific codons on mRNA and carrying the correct amino acid to the ribosome, allowing the polypeptide chain to be assembled.

Agree or Disagree with the statement

Based on the understanding of translation and the role of tRNA, we can agree with the statement. tRNA does adapt specific triplet codons in mRNA to their correct amino acids. This is achieved through the anticodon region present on tRNA molecules, which allows them to specifically pair with complementary codons on the mRNA. This ensures the correct amino acids are incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.

Key concepts

Translation Process

Translation is a key stage in protein synthesis where the genetic code carried by mRNA is interpreted to form a sequence of amino acids. This process takes place in the ribosome, a complex molecular machine within the cell. Ribosomes read the mRNA in sections of three nucleotides known as codons. Each codon specifies a particular amino acid.
The cell ensures that these codons are read correctly to produce functional proteins. If a mistake occurs in translating the genetic code, it can lead to the production of a malfunctioning protein.
Several components play crucial roles in the translation process, including mRNA, ribosomes, amino acids, and transfer RNA (tRNA). These components work together to decode the mRNA instructions into the correct sequence of amino acids, forming a polypeptide chain that eventually becomes a functional protein.

• mRNA carries the genetic information.
• Ribosomes serve as the site of protein synthesis.
• tRNA brings the correct amino acids.
• Amino acids link together to form a polypeptide chain.

Anticodon Pairing

Anticodon pairing is essential for the correct translation of the genetic code. Each tRNA molecule has a region called the anticodon, a sequence of three nucleotides that complements a specific codon on the mRNA strand.
During translation, tRNA molecules ferry amino acids to the ribosome. The anticodon region of the tRNA pairs precisely with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, ensuring that each amino acid is added in the right sequence.
This precise pairing is vital to maintain the integrity of the protein being synthesized. By matching the anticodon to the mRNA codon, tRNA acts as a crucial adapter, translating the nucleic acid language into the amino acid language of proteins.

• Each tRNA molecule is specific to an amino acid.
• Anticodon complements mRNA codon.
• Ensures correct sequence and protein structure.

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is the complex process of building proteins, essential for countless cellular functions and overall body structure. It occurs in two main stages: transcription and translation.
In transcription, DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which carries the message from the DNA out into the cell's cytoplasm. The mRNA then undergoes translation, where ribosomes read its codons and translate the nucleotide sequences into a chain of amino acids.
The chain of amino acids forms a polypeptide, which will fold into a specific three-dimensional structure to become a functional protein. Each protein's unique structure is determined by the sequence of amino acids, as dictated by the genetic code.

• Transcription: DNA to mRNA in the nucleus.
• Translation: mRNA to protein in the cytoplasm.
• Folding: Amino acids form specific protein structures.