In Protein Synthesis, 61 Codons Specify the 20 Amino Acids

question 91

Short Answer

In protein synthesis, 61 codons specify the 20 amino acids. Base pairing between the codon and the tRNA anticodon assures that the correct amino acid will be inserted into the nascent polypeptide chain. Why then does the cell require only 32 different tRNAs to recognize 61 different codons?

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Definitions:

Recency Effect

An effect that occurs when recently encountered information primarily influences attitudes (e.g., a commercial viewed just before shopping influences a shopper’s choices).

Primacy Effect

The idea that what we learn early colors how we judge subsequent information.

Delay

The act of postponing or slowing something down, causing it to occur later than previously planned or expected.

Messages

Units of communication intended to convey information, feelings, or instructions from one entity to another.