Question

An RNA sequence includes 12 nitrogenous bases, AUGGUGCAUGUC. What is the maximum number of amino acids for which this sequence could code?

A). 4

B). 3

C). 2

D). 12

Answer 1

In the mRNA sequence AUGGUGCAUGUC the maximum number of amino acids that can be encoded is 4 (option A).

Step-by-step explanation:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) has a sequence of nitrogenous bases produced by the transcription of a DNA strand. This sequence of bases is organized in triplets or codons —made up of 3 nitrogenous bases— that can encode an amino acid, or mark the beginning or end —STOP codon—of protein synthesis.

From the sequence:

AUGGUGCAUGUC

Four codons are obtained, each of which encodes a different amino acid:

Codons: AUG-GUG-CAU-GUC

Amino acids: Met - Val - His - Val

Methionine Valine Histidina and Valine are the four amino acids encoded by the 12 nucleotide sequence of the mRNA.