Decoding Codons: Navigating the Codon Wheel in Protein Synthesis

Mrs. McGurkin explains how to use a codon wheel to translate mRNA codons into amino acids, which are essential for protein synthesis. The video covers the structure of the codon wheel, how to read it, and provides examples of codon translation, including AUG for methionine and CUU for leucine. It also discusses the concept of stop codons, which signal the end of protein coding. The video aims to demystify the intimidating nature of amino acids and highlight their role in protein formation.

What is the primary function of a codon in mRNA?

• To convert RNA into DNA

• To initiate DNA replication

• To terminate protein synthesis

• To guide tRNA in bringing amino acids

Which base is present in RNA but not in DNA, as indicated by the codon wheel?

• Uracil

• Thymine

• Cytosine

• Adenine

How do you determine the first letter of a codon using the codon wheel?

• By checking the second ring

• By using the last ring

• By starting from the center

• By looking at the outermost ring

What amino acid does the codon AUG code for?

• Methionine

• Valine

• Leucine

• Serine

What is the amino acid coded by the codon CUU?

• Glycine

• Leucine

• Proline

• Alanine

How many possible codons can be formed from groups of three DNA bases?

• 128

• 64

• 32

• 20

What is the significance of having 64 possible codons but only 20 amino acids?

• It allows for multiple codons to code for the same amino acid

• It limits the diversity of proteins

• It causes frequent mutations

• It restricts protein synthesis

What does the codon UGA signify in protein synthesis?

• Replication of DNA

• End of protein synthesis

• Addition of a specific amino acid

• Start of protein synthesis

Why are stop codons important in the process of protein synthesis?

• They initiate the synthesis process

• They signal the end of the amino acid chain

• They convert RNA into proteins

• They prevent mutations

What is the role of DNA in the context of protein synthesis as explained in the video?

• It is not involved in protein synthesis

• It serves as a template for mRNA

• It directly codes for proteins

• It stops the synthesis process