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33. A researcher identifies the nucleotide sequence AAC in a long strand of RNA inside a nucleus. In the genetic code, AAC codes for the amino acid asparagine. When that RNA becomes involved in protein synthesis, will asparagine necessarily appear in the protein? Explain.
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No, the RNA has not undergone RNA processing yet. The AAC may be part of an intron--a non-coding sequence of RNA that is removed from the strand before exiting the nucleus and being translated into a protein.
To determine if asparagine will necessarily appear in the protein during protein synthesis, we need to consider a few key factors:
1. The role of the nucleotide sequence AAC: In the genetic code, each three-nucleotide sequence (called a codon) corresponds to a specific amino acid or a start or stop signal. In this case, AAC specifically codes for the amino acid asparagine.
2. The process of protein synthesis: Protein synthesis occurs in two main steps - transcription and translation. During transcription, an RNA molecule is synthesized from a DNA template. This RNA molecule, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes. In translation, the mRNA is used as a template to synthesize a sequence of amino acids, which ultimately form a protein.
Based on these factors, we can conclude that if the RNA strand inside the nucleus carries the nucleotide sequence AAC, it will code for asparagine during protein synthesis. However, it is essential to note that the presence of the AAC codon does not guarantee that asparagine will appear in the final protein product.
This is because protein synthesis is a complex process that involves multiple steps and factors. Several additional factors influence whether a specific amino acid will be incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain, including:
- The availability of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules: Each amino acid has a specific tRNA molecule that carries it to the ribosome during translation. If there is a deficiency of the tRNA molecule for asparagine, the protein synthesis machinery may not be able to incorporate asparagine, even if the mRNA has the AAC codon.
- The context of the codon: The position of the codon within the mRNA sequence and the surrounding nucleotides can influence whether or not asparagine will be inserted. This context can affect the binding efficiency of the tRNA to the codon and the accuracy of the translation process.
- Regulatory mechanisms: Various regulatory mechanisms control gene expression and protein synthesis. These regulatory mechanisms may determine the production and availability of specific proteins, including asparagine-related enzymes. Therefore, even if the AAC codon is present, the regulatory mechanisms can ultimately determine whether asparagine will be incorporated into the protein or not.
In summary, while the presence of the AAC codon in the RNA strand suggests that asparagine has the potential to appear in the protein, other factors such as tRNA availability, codon context, and regulatory mechanisms can influence the final outcome.