What Should We Do About the Extra Nitrogenous Base in the RNA Sequence?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of an RNA sequence derived from a DNA template, specifically addressing the presence of an extra nitrogenous base and the implications for identifying start codons and coding for amino acids. The scope includes conceptual understanding of genetic coding and translation processes.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the presence of an extra nitrogenous base in the RNA sequence and questions its significance.
  • Another participant suggests that the extra base may not code for anything and emphasizes the importance of identifying the start codon.
  • A different participant expresses doubt about the existence of a start codon in the provided sequence.
  • It is proposed that the sequence could belong to an untranslated region or a translated region, but without further context, its role remains uncertain.
  • One participant claims to see a start codon, prompting further discussion about its validity.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of adding a nucleotide to the DNA template and how it affects the length of the resulting mRNA sequence.
  • Another participant clarifies that GUG is not a start codon, stating that start codons in DNA begin with TAC.
  • There is confusion regarding the start codon, with one participant mistakenly identifying UAC as a start codon, which is corrected by another participant who states that UAC codes for tyrosine, not methionine.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence of a start codon in the sequence, with some asserting its absence while others claim it is present. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the implications of the extra nitrogenous base and the identification of the correct start codon.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions about the sequence's context, such as whether it is part of a translated region or an untranslated region. The identification of start codons and the implications of the extra base are also not fully resolved.

LadiesMan
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DNA Template: 3' AATGGCCAGTGGTTCGCAC 5'

Therefore: RNA: 5' UUACCGGUCACCAAGCGUG 3'

One problem, when using the genetic code we have an extra nitrogenous base. What to do?

Thanks :)
 
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The extra base(s) might not code for anything. You need to look for the start codon.
 
one problem i don't think there is a start codon there
 
In that case, the sequence you just listed could be part of an untranslated region in the DNA, or it could also be a translated region. It's just one segment of the DNA. Without any questions concerned with it, that's as much as you can know.
 
wow weird this assignment tells me to code it's amino acid sequence :( And there is no start codon.
 
But I do see a start codon. Look closer.
 
umm gug, but that's only one thing :( and then the next question would be like, adding a G to the eigth nucleotide of the DNA template, why is the mRNA (amino acids) sequence shorter. BUt instead it would be longer as GUG occurs earlier.
 
GUG is not a start codon. Your start codons in DNA start with TAC from the 3' to 5' end.
 
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ohh so it would start on the uac? we have to code for mRNA
 
  • #10
LadiesMan said:
ohh so it would start on the uac? we have to code for mRNA

Yes.

EDIT: whoops, Gannon is correct.
 
Last edited:
  • #11
ok thanks.
 
  • #12
If there is no start codon present, you can usually assume that the sequence given is in the middle of a region being translated. It usually isn't a trick question about "there's no start codon, so no polypeptide is produced." There may be a stop codon present as well, which would terminate translation, but again, if there is none then the strand is a mid-region. As for the extra base, it is negligible because obviously no amino acid has a guanine-only tRNA complement.
 
  • #13
LadiesMan said:
ohh so it would start on the uac? we have to code for mRNA
No. The only start codon sequence is that for methionine (AUG). UAC is one of two sequences for tyrosine.
 
Last edited:

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