Translation C483 Spring 2013

1. Use Figure 22.3 to determine which template strand DNA sequence (written in the 5' → 3' direction) specifies the tripeptide with the sequence gly-ala-leu. A) GGGGCTCTC B) CTCTCGGGG C) CCCCGAGAG D) GAGAGCCCC 2. Which is not true about the genetic code? A) Some amino acids share the same codon. B) The first two nucleotides of a codon are often enough to specify a given amino acid. C) Some codons do not specify an amino acid. D) Nearly all organisms use the same genetic code. 3. The unambiguity and degeneracy of the genetic code can best be respectively exemplified by which of the following? A) UUU and UUC both code for Phe; UUU codes only for Phe. B) UUU codes only for Phe; UUU and UUC both code for Phe. C) UUU codes for both Phe and Ser; UUU and UUC both code for Phe and Ser. D) UUU and UUC both code for Phe and Ser; UUU codes for both Phe and Ser.

4. ________ carries the anticodon. A) rRNA C) tRNA B) mRNA D) DNA 5. Different tRNA molecules that bind the same amino acid are called ________ tRNA molecules. A) synonymous C) homologous B) complementary D) isoacceptor 6. Which statement is false concerning aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase? A) It recognizes only one amino acid, but may recognize more than one tRNA. B) It requires ATP. C) It catalyzes formation of a high-energy amide bond. D) Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are capable of proofreading mechanisms. 7. At the ribosome the template mRNA is translated in the ________ direction, while the protein is synthesized in the ________ direction. A) 5' → 3'; N-terminal to C-terminal B) 5' → 3'; C-terminal to N-terminal C) 3' → 5'; N-terminal to C-terminal D) 3' → 5'; C-terminal to N-terminal

Information Flow

Overview Genetic Code tRNA structure Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase Ribosome structure Next lecture: initiation, elongation, termination

Codons Three letter codons – Why 3? Overlapping vs nonoverlapping 5’  3’

Reading Frame

Standard Genetic Code

Genetic Code Unambiguous: Each codon has one and only one amino acid Degenerate: most amino acids have multiple codons (Leu has 6 codons) First two nucleotides (5’) often contain all information for amino acid (Gly—any others?) Similar codons often have similar AA – Thr/Ser and Glu/Asp minimize mutations

Stop codons (termination codon) Initiation codon

tRNA structure Tertiary structure Anticodon arm Acceptor stem

Primary and Secondary Structure Anticodon Antiparallel base pairing with mRNA

tRNA Phe

Wobble 5’ site of anticodon is less demanding in complementarity Remember--3’ of codon Inosinate often found at 5’ – Capable of more H- bonding – Less selective

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase tRNA serves to match the amino acid to the codon Requires covalent attachment of amino acid to tRNA A key step in fidelity of message even prior to initiation, elongation, termination! 20 synthetases serve to recognize correct AA and covalently attach isoacceptor tRNAs

Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetase Reaction Covalently attach amino acid to acceptor arm High energy bond “activated’ amino acid Costs 2 ATP equivalents

Proofreading Generally, very few mistakes Some mistakes are more common Require proofreading 1 in 10 5 error

Translation Translation complex made up of – Ribosome – Ribosome accessory proteins – mRNA – Aminoacyl tRNA mRNA read 5’  3’ Protein made N-terminus to C-terminus

Ribosome

A site and P site

Summary

Answers 1.D 2.A 3.B 4.C 5.D 6.C 7.A