Human Biology, 14 Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 1-25924-574-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-25924-574-9

Chapter 22 - Section 22.2 - Gene Expression - Check Your Progress - Page 488: 2

Answer

See explanation

Work Step by Step

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in DNA is translated into proteins. It is a triplet code, meaning that every three nucleotides (called a codon) in the DNA sequence corresponds to a specific amino acid. There are 64 possible codons, which code for 20 different amino acids and also signal the start and stop of protein synthesis. The process of protein synthesis involves several types of RNA, including messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The first step is transcription, where an mRNA molecule is synthesized from a DNA template in the nucleus of the cell. The mRNA carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosome in the cytoplasm. In the ribosome, the mRNA is read by tRNA molecules, which bring the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome. The rRNA in the ribosome helps to catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between the amino acids, ultimately resulting in the synthesis of a protein. The sequence of amino acids in the protein is determined by the sequence of codons in the mRNA, which in turn is determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.