A researcher develops 2 functional mRNA sequences composed of CUC and CUU trinucleotide repeats, respectively. He subsequently incubates these mRNAs in a solution containing functional ribosomes and tRNAs charged with the appropriate amino acids. After several hours, it is found that both mRNA sequences produce polypeptide chains containing leucine repeats. This observed finding is due to which of the following genetic principles?

Question

A researcher develops 2 functional mRNA sequences composed of CUC and CUU trinucleotide repeats, respectively.  He subsequently incubates these mRNAs in a solution containing functional ribosomes and tRNAs charged with the appropriate amino acids.  After several hours, it is found that both mRNA sequences produce polypeptide chains containing leucine repeats.  This observed finding is due to which of the following genetic principles?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: The genetic code is considered "degenerate" because more than 1 codon can code for a particular amino acid.  Some of this degeneracy is explained by the wobble hypothesis, which states that the first 2 nucleotide positions on the mRNA codon require traditional (Watson-Crick) base pairing, whereas the third "wobble" nucleotide position may undergo less stringent (nontraditional) base pairing.

A Researcher Develops 2 Functional MRNA Sequences Composed of CUC