study questions topic 9

Question 1

Distinguish the three types of RNA molecules involved in translation, including their
name, function, and structure.

Answer 1

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome, serving as a template for protein synthesis; it is a single-stranded molecule with codons that specify amino acids. Transfer RNA (tRNA) delivers specific amino acids to the ribosome by matching its anticodon to the complementary mRNA codon; it has a cloverleaf structure with an amino acid attachment site. Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a structural and catalytic component of ribosomes, facilitating peptide bond formation between amino acids during translation; it combines with proteins to form the large and small ribosomal subunits.

Question 2

Utilize the genetic code table to determine the amino acid sequence from mRNA

Answer 2

To determine the amino acid sequence from an mRNA strand, identify the start codon (AUG) and divide the sequence into groups of three nucleotides (codons). Each codon is then matched to its corresponding amino acid using the genetic code table (e.g., AUG codes for methionine, UUU codes for phenylalanine). Translation continues until a stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) is reached, signaling the end of protein synthesis.