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Chapter 14: Problem 6

The \(\alpha\) chain of eukaryotic hemoglobin is composed of 141 amino acids. What is the minimum number of nucleotides in an mRNA coding for this polypeptide chain?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The minimum number of nucleotides required to code for a polypeptide chain composed of 141 amino acids is 423.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the relationship between nucleotides, codons, and amino acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. They are encoded in the DNA by a sequence of three nucleotides called a codon. Each codon corresponds to one specific amino acid. In an mRNA molecule, this coding is retained and is subsequently used during translation to synthesize the protein.
02

Calculate the minimum number of nucleotides for the given number of amino acids

We are given the number of amino acids in the α chain of eukaryotic hemoglobin (141 amino acids). Since each amino acid is coded by a codon, and each codon consists of 3 nucleotides, we can find the minimum number of nucleotides required by multiplying the number of amino acids by the number of nucleotides per codon. Minimum number of nucleotides = (Number of amino acids) * (Number of nucleotides per codon) Minimum number of nucleotides = 141 * 3
03

Find the answer

Now, we just need to do the calculation to find the minimum number of nucleotides. Minimum number of nucleotides = 141 * 3 = 423 So, the minimum number of nucleotides in an mRNA coding for this polypeptide chain is 423.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Three independently assorting genes are known to control the following biochemical pathway that provides the basis for flower color in a hypothetical plant: Colorless \(\stackrel{A^{-}}{\longrightarrow}\) yellow \(\stackrel{B^{-}}{\longrightarrow}\) green \(\stackrel{C-}{\longrightarrow}\) speckled Three homozygous recessive mutations are also known, each of which interrupts a different one of these steps. Determine the phenotypic results in the \(\mathrm{F}_{1}\) and \(\mathrm{F}_{2}\) generations resulting from the \(P_{1}\) crosses of true-breeding plants listed here: (a) speckled \((A A B B C C) \times\) yellow \((A A b b C C)\) (b) yellow \((A A b b C C) \times \operatorname{green}(A A B B c c)\) (c) colorless \((a a B B C C) \times\) green \((A A B B c c)\)

Using sickle-cell anemia as an example, describe what is meant by a molecular or genetic disease. What are the similarities and dissimilarities between this type of a disorder and a disease caused by an invading microorganism?

Certain mutations called amber in bacteria and viruses result in premature termination of polypeptide chains during translation. Many amber mutations have been detected at different points along the gene coding for a head protein in phage \(\mathrm{T} 4\) How might this system be further investigated to demonstrate and support the concept of colinearity?

Assuming that an amino acid sequence is 250 amino acids long, how many different molecules, each with a unique sequence, could be formed?

Hemoglobins from two individuals are compared by electrophoresis and by fingerprinting. Electrophoresis reveals no difference in migration, but fingerprinting shows an amino acid difference. How is this possible?
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