A tRNA has an anticodon that is 3'-CAU-5'. Which amino acid would it carry?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Anticodon 3'-CAU-5' pairs with the mRNA codon 5'-GUA-3', and GUA is one of the four codons that specify valine.

1) Relevant knowledge points:
- tRNA anticodons are antiparallel and complementary to mRNA codons. Base pairing: A–U, U–A, C–G, G–C in RNA.
- The genetic code: codons GUU, GUC, GUA, GUG all specify valine.

2) Step-by-step reasoning and intermediate steps:
- Start with the given anticodon: 3'-C A U-5'.
- To get the codon on mRNA (which is read 5'→3'), find the complementary bases and reverse orientation (antiparallel).
- Pair each anticodon base with its complement:
  - Anticodon 3' C pairs with mRNA 5' G
  - Anticodon   A pairs with mRNA   U
  - Anticodon   U pairs with mRNA   A
- Writing the codon 5'→3' gives: 5'-G U A-3' (GUA).

3) Why this gives valine:
- Look up the genetic code: GUU, GUC, GUA, GUG all code for valine. The codon GUA therefore corresponds to valine.

4) Why the other choices are incorrect:
- Glycine is encoded by codons GGU, GGC, GGA, GGG (not GUA).
- Proline is encoded by CCU, CCC, CCA, CCG (not GUA).
- Histidine is encoded by CAU and CAC (those are mRNA codons for histidine); our derived codon is GUA, not CAU/CAC.
- Only valine matches the codon GUA.

Conclusion: The tRNA with anticodon 3'-CAU-5' would carry valine, confirming the provided answer "valine."

A tRNA has an anticodon that is 3'-CAU-5'. Which amino acid would it carry?Single choice

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