A tRNA molecule produced in a laboratory has the anticodon for the amino acid serine, but carries the amino acid lysine. When it reaches the serine codon on a molecule of mRNA where translation is under way, what is the most likely outcome?
A)It will not bind with the codon on the mRNA molecule.
B)A potentially dysfunctional protein will result.
C)A proofreading enzyme will change lysine to serine.
D)Translation will stop.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tRNA molecule's anticodon corresponds to the serine codon on the mRNA molecule, indicating that the tRNA should carry the amino acid serine. However, since it is carrying lysine instead, a potentially dysfunctional protein will result. This is because the amino acid sequence in the resulting protein will be incorrect, leading to potentially severe consequences for its structure and function. Translation will not stop unless the incorrect amino acid completely disrupts the ribosome's ability to continue the process. Proofreading enzymes do exist, but they are typically involved in checking for errors in amino acid selection before tRNA molecules join the ribosome.

A TRNA Molecule Produced in a Laboratory Has the Anticodon