The genetic code ACT would correspond to which anticodon?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The genetic code “ACT” corresponds to the anticodon “UGA.”
Explanation:
The genetic code is made up of sequences of nucleotides, and it is read in triplets called codons. Each codon specifies an amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. In the context of translation, the mRNA codons are matched with tRNA anticodons to assemble proteins.
- Understanding the Codon and Anticodon Relationship:
- The mRNA sequence is complementary to the DNA sequence.
- During transcription, the DNA sequence is copied into mRNA, and this mRNA sequence is read during translation.
- The anticodon is found on the tRNA, which pairs with the codon on the mRNA during translation in the ribosome.
- The Process of Translation:
- The ribosome reads the mRNA in groups of three nucleotides (codons).
- The tRNA molecules contain anticodons that are complementary to these codons. For example, the mRNA codon “ACT” is complementary to the tRNA anticodon “UGA.”
- Base Pairing:
- In the mRNA, the codons are composed of the bases adenine (A), cytosine (C), and thymine (T).
- The anticodons in tRNA follow the base-pairing rules: Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U) in RNA, Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G), and Thymine (T) in DNA pairs with Adenine (A) in RNA.
Thus, the mRNA codon “ACT” pairs with the tRNA anticodon “UGA,” ensuring the proper amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.
This pairing process is critical in the translation of genetic information into functional proteins. Without this precise matching of codons and anticodons, the resulting proteins could be nonfunctional or incorrect, leading to possible genetic disorders or malfunctions in cellular processes.