Three - letter segments of mRNA code for specific
A. disorders
B. sickle cells
C. amino acids
D. chromosomes
C. amino acids
The correct answer is C. amino acids.
Three-letter segments of mRNA, known as codons, code for specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid, allowing the correct sequence of amino acids to be assembled to form a functional protein. Disorders, sickle cells, and chromosomes are not directly related to the three-letter segments of mRNA.
The correct answer is C. amino acids.
mRNA, also known as messenger RNA, serves as a template for protein synthesis in cells. It carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosomes, which are responsible for producing proteins. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids that will be used to build a protein.
The genetic code used by mRNA is universal, meaning that the same set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, codes for the same amino acid in all organisms. There are 64 possible codons, and each codon specifies a particular amino acid or acts as a stop signal to terminate protein synthesis.
To decipher which amino acid a particular codon codes for, you can refer to a genetic code chart. These charts are easily available online and can be found in biology textbooks. The chart provides information about the correspondence between codons and amino acids.
For example, the codon "GCU" codes for the amino acid alanine, while "AUG" is the start codon that signals the initiation of protein synthesis. By locating the codon in the genetic code chart, you can determine the corresponding amino acid.
In summary, the three-letter segments of mRNA code for specific amino acids, allowing cells to synthesize proteins accurately and efficiently.