Question

The genetic code is a triplet code, that is, a sequence of three bases in RNA codes for each amino acid in a peptide chain or protein. How many RNA bases are required to code for a protein that contains 577 amino acids?

Short answer

The protein containing 577 amino acids requires \(1731\) RNA bases to be coded, as the genetic code consists of triplets and there are 3 RNA bases per amino acid (577 amino acids × 3 RNA bases per amino acid = 1731 RNA bases).

Step-by-step solution

Identify the given information

We are given: - Number of amino acids in the protein: 577 - Number of RNA bases per amino acid: 3 (since the genetic code is a triplet code)

Calculate the total number of RNA bases required

To find the total number of RNA bases required, we simply multiply the number of amino acids by the number of RNA bases per amino acid. Total number of RNA bases = (Number of amino acids) * (Number of RNA bases per amino acid)

Substitute the given values and solve

Now, substitute the given values into the equation and solve for the total number of RNA bases. Total number of RNA bases = (577 amino acids) * (3 RNA bases per amino acid) Total number of RNA bases = 1731 RNA bases The protein containing 577 amino acids requires 1731 RNA bases to be coded.

Key concepts

RNA Bases

The genetic code at the core of life processes is fundamentally based on RNA bases. These are the building blocks of RNA, which includes four different types: Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G). In a messenger RNA (mRNA), these bases form specific sequences to instruct the cell on how to build proteins. Each set of three bases, called a codon, codes for a specific amino acid or serves as a stop signal in protein synthesis. The concept of the genetic code being a 'triplet code' comes from the fact that each amino acid in a protein sequence is determined by a grouping of three RNA bases. Understanding RNA sequences and how they correspond to amino acids is vital for unraveling the complexity of genetic encoding and decoding.

Amino Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and crucial participants in biological functions. Proteins are constructed by linking together chains of amino acids, which fold into specific three-dimensional shapes to perform their diverse roles in the body. There are 20 standard amino acids commonly found in nature, each coded for by unique sequences of RNA bases, or codons. Each codon represents one specific amino acid; thus, the sequence of codons in mRNA determines the exact order of amino acids in a protein. This linear sequence eventually folds into functional proteins with highly specific functions, ranging from enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions to structural proteins that provide support and shape to cells and organisms.

Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is a vital biological process where cells create proteins, which are necessary for countless functions from catalyzing reactions to providing structure. This complex process is divided into two main stages: transcription and translation.

During transcription, part of the cell's DNA is copied into mRNA in the nucleus. This mRNA then travels out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm, where translation occurs. In translation, the mRNA sequence is read by a ribosome, which uses the sequence of RNA bases to assemble the corresponding amino acids into a polypeptide chain.

• The ribosome reads each triplet codon on the mRNA.
• Transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring the correct amino acids to the ribosome based on matching anticodons to the mRNA codons.
• The amino acids are linked together, forming a protein chain.

Finally, the newly synthesized protein folds into its functional shape, ready to perform its role in the organism. This entire mechanism beautifully demonstrates how genetic information stored in RNA is translated into the diverse array of proteins necessary for life.