Asked by Erika Grosnick on May 17, 2024
Verified
How is the four-letter language of nucleic acids converted into the 20-word language of amino acids?
A) The four nucleic acid bases combine in two-letter combinations that define different amino acids.
B) The four nucleic acid bases combine in three-letter sequences that define different amino acids.
C) Triplets of the two-letter nucleic acid bases are translated into the 20 different amino acids.
D) The four bases each specify one amino acid, which in combination give rise to the remaining sixteen amino acids.
E) The four bases are first converted into tRNA molecules, which can each attach to five amino acids.
Nucleic Acids
Biomolecules essential for life, including DNA and RNA, that carry genetic information and are involved in protein synthesis.
Amino Acids
Organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins, containing both an amino group and a carboxyl group.
Three-Letter Sequences
In genetics, sequences of three nucleotides (triplets) in DNA or RNA that code for specific amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
- Attain an understanding of nucleic acids’ structure and functionality, emphasizing their relevance in the canonical principles of molecular biology.
- Shed light on the processes of transcription and translation, including the pivotal positions of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.
Verified Answer
TA
Tehmeer AnwarMay 22, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The four nucleic acid bases (adenine, thymine [or uracil in RNA], cytosine, and guanine) combine in three-letter sequences known as codons, each of which specifies a particular amino acid. This is the fundamental process of translation in protein synthesis, allowing the genetic code to be expressed as proteins.
Learning Objectives
- Attain an understanding of nucleic acids’ structure and functionality, emphasizing their relevance in the canonical principles of molecular biology.
- Shed light on the processes of transcription and translation, including the pivotal positions of mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.