Question

If a series of tRNAs have the anticodons, what are all the possible codons with which each tRNA can pair?

a) UAC, CAG, GCU
b) AUG, CGU, UGA
c) CAU, GAC, UUC
d) AGU, CCA, GAA

Answer 1

Each tRNA anticodon can base pair with one or more mRNA codons for its corresponding amino acid. The number of different tRNA molecules for each amino acid is not the same as the number of codons, due to wobbling.

Step-by-step explanation:

The tRNA anticodon can base pair with one or more mRNA codons for its corresponding amino acid. The number of different tRNA molecules for each amino acid is not the same as the number of codons, due to a phenomenon called wobbling. Wobbling occurs because some tRNAs contain the first anticodon nucleotide inosinate (I), which can base pair with three nucleotides: U, C, and A.

For example, if a tRNA has the anticodon UAC, it can pair with the codons AUG, CAG, and GCU. Similarly, a tRNA with the anticodon CAU can pair with the codons GAC and UUC. And a tRNA with the anticodon AGU can pair with the codons CCA and GAA.