LBNL Image Library -- Collection BERKELEY-LAB/RESEARCH-1991-PRESENT/LIFE-SCIENCES

Sequence of amino acids carried from DNA by RNA in condons

Image File

96703453

Title

Sequence of amino acids carried from DNA by RNA in condons

Description

In the synthesis of an enzyme, a recipe for the sequence of amino acids is carried from DNA by messenger RNA (mRNA) in condons - arrangements of three nitrogenous bases for each amino acid. A transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule with a matching anticodon binds the appropriate codon on the mRNA, delivering the correct amino acid, which is attached to the growing protein chain. In site- directed mutagenesis (lower left), a chosen codon is replaced by another so that a different tRNA will bond and a different amino acid will be attached to the chain. A similar technique is used to replace natural amino acids with synthetic, non-natural amino acids (lower right). Here the chosen codon is changed to one that usually signals the end of the protein and has no tRNA to match. It is read by a specially designed and synthesized tRNA carrying the synthetic amino acid.

Citation Caption

LBL Research Review, Vol. 14, No. 4, Winter 1989, p. 9. In the synthesis of an enzyme, a recipe for the sequence of amino acids is carried from DNA by messenger RNA (mRNA) in condons - arrangements of three nitrogenous bases for each amino acid. A transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule with a matching anticodon binds the appropriate codon on the mRNA, delivering the correct amino acid, which is attached to the growing protein chain. In site- directed mutagenesis (lower left), a chosen codon is replaced by another so that a different tRNA will bond and a different amino acid will be attached to the chain. A similar technique is used to replace natural amino acids with synthetic, non-natural amino acids (lower right). Here the chosen codon is changed to one that usually signals the end of the protein and has no tRNA to match. It is read by a specially designed and synthesized tRNA carrying the synthetic amino acid.

Date

April 1990

TEID Doc ID

XBD 9607-03453.TIF