Problemas
4. Extend your thinking: Sometimes errors occur during transcription or translation. Examine the codon chart on the previous page Notice that each amino acid is coded for by several different codons. For example, alanine is coded for by GCU,GCC, GCA, and GCG. How might this offset transcription or translation errors?
Roztwór
Franco
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Respuesta
The redundancy in the genetic code, where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, helps offset errors during transcription or translation.
Explicación
The question is asking about the redundancy in the genetic code, specifically how it can help offset errors during transcription or translation. Transcription is the process where the DNA sequence of a gene is copied into mRNA, while translation is the process where the mRNA is used as a template to synthesize a protein. Both processes are crucial for the proper functioning of cells.The genetic code is described as being "degenerate" or "redundant," meaning that more than one codon can code for the same amino acid. This is a built-in safeguard against errors that might occur during transcription or translation. For instance, if a mistake is made and a codon is transcribed or translated incorrectly, the wrong amino acid might be incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain. However, because multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, the error might not significantly alter the final protein product.In the case of alanine, it is indeed coded for by multiple codons: GCU, GCC, GCA, and GCG. This means that even if a mistake is made during transcription or translation, as long as the resulting codon still codes for alanine, the error will not change the amino acid that is incorporated into the protein. This redundancy in the genetic code provides a level of protection against errors, ensuring that the protein product is likely to retain its proper structure and function, even if a mistake occurs during the transcription or translation process.In conclusion, the redundancy in the genetic code serves as a protective mechanism against errors during transcription or translation, ensuring that the final protein product is likely to retain its proper structure and function, even if a mistake occurs.