Protein synthesized (Chem) Question HELP

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a chemistry question related to protein synthesis, specifically focusing on determining the complete RNA sequence and its complementary DNA sequence based on a partial amino acid sequence provided. Participants express confusion regarding the differences between RNA and DNA base pairing and how to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is confused about how to approach the problem of writing the complete RNA sequence and its complementary DNA sequence based on a partial amino acid sequence.
  • Another participant attempts to provide a complete sequence and its complementary bases but is unsure about the correctness of their answer.
  • A third participant points out that the complete RNA sequence provided is incorrect and asks if the original poster understands the difference between RNA and DNA base pair composition.
  • One participant clarifies that in DNA, the base pairs are A, T, G, and C, while in RNA, they are A, U, G, and C, emphasizing the need to replace U with T when converting RNA to DNA.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about base pairing rules and seeks more specific guidance on what is incorrect in their approach.
  • One participant offers links to external resources for further understanding of nucleotides and translation processes.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster has gained clarity from the discussion and intends to apply the insights to similar problems.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding RNA and DNA base pairing, with some confusion remaining about the correct sequences. There is no consensus on the correct complete RNA sequence or its complementary DNA sequence, as participants are still working through the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential misunderstandings of base pairing rules and the necessity of distinguishing between RNA and DNA sequences. The discussion does not resolve the specific sequence issues presented in the original question.

PhysicsNoob88
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I am having trouble answering the following question any help would be greatly apperciated.

1. A protein must be synthesized by a cell. Part of the amino acid sequence in this protein is:


-Ala-Gly-Thr-Leu-

The codons for these amino acids are:
Gly -- G G C
Leu -- C U A
Thr -- U A U
Ala -- G C A

Write the base sequence for the complete chain as given and the complimentary bases as would be found in the DNA from which it was taken.

I am completely confused on how to appoarch this problem...

It said the whole sequence however only part is given. So what I am assumping it is G C A G G C U A U C U A? But as far as complimentary bases I am at a lost. Any help would be great. Thanks.
 
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After trying it a bit more on my own I got this.

G - C
C - G
A - T
G - C
G - C
C - G
U - A
A - T
U - A
C - G
U - A
A - T

(On the left side is the bcomplete chain and on the right is the complimentary bases)

Can anyone verfiy this please? Thanks!
 
Last edited:
The complimentary sequence is ok but your complete sequence (the one on the left) is incorrect.

Do you know the difference between RNA and DNA in terms of base pair composition?

The answer to this question should help you find and correct the mistakes.
 
I am a bit confused. I thought that when it comes to paring that you just pair T's with the A's and A's with the U's. And of course- C's with G's and G's with C's. I am greatly confused :( there are roughly 10 problems similar to the question above that are due tomorrow. I was hoping to use this question as a template for my other questions. Can you or anyone please be more specific as to what is wrong? Thanks!
 
When you are talking about DNA, the base pair are A, T, G and C

When you talking about RNA, the base pair are A, U (instead of T), G and C.

You pairing is fine but you have to make sure that you are using the right base pair. If the question asks about DNA, you sequence should have T's and not have U's. If the question asks about RNA, then your sequence should U's instead of the T's.

Codon's for amino acid are encoded by transfer RNA so the sequence will have U. Therefore when the question ask about the DNA sequence, you cannot use the codon sequence as is, you must change U's for T's.

You may want to look at the following pages for some background info:
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/N/Nucleotides.html
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/T/Translation.html
 
oh. I understand now, thank you for the links and the clarification. Time to get busy on the other problems.
 

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