Final answer:
The first four amino acids encoded by the gene in question are methionine, proline, arginine, and valine. These are determined by translating the mRNA sequence using the universal genetic code.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first four amino acids encoded by the gene in question can be determined by translating the provided mRNA sequence. The sequence given is 5'-AUGCCACGAGUUGAC-3', which translates to the amino acids methionine (Met), proline (Pro), arginine (Arg), and valine (Val). This translation process uses the genetic code, which is a set of rules to convert an mRNA sequence into a chain of amino acids during protein synthesis.
According to the information, AUG is the initiation codon and always begins protein synthesis. The mRNA sequence is read starting from the 5' end, and protein synthesis begins with the N-terminal amino acid. Codons are sets of three nucleotides that code for specific amino acids, and multiple codons can code for the same amino acid due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. Methionine and tryptophan are unique in that they only have one codon each.
The universal genetic code is used by all living organisms and contains 64 codons that encode the 20 standard amino acids found in proteins. This code ensures that DNA and RNA information is accurately translated into proteins, which are crucial for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.