Biology, Eighth Edition (Raven)

Chapter 15: Genes and How They Work

Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetase

Is energy required to build proteins? Most commonly, we think of the expenditure of energy to do cellular work in the context of cellular respiration and photosynthesis. Protein synthesis is an example of an anabolic pathway, one that builds complex molecules from smaller molecules. Anabolic pathways require the expenditure of energy. Protein synthesis uses energy from ATP or GTP at several stages such as the attachment of amino acids to transfer RNA and the movement of mRNA through ribosomes, resulting in the attachment of new amino acids to the chain.

View the animation below, then complete the quiz to test your knowledge of the concept.



1.

To begin the process of forming a "charged" transfer RNA, a specific aminoacyl tRNA synthetase binds _____ to its active site.
A)a particular amino acid.
B)a molecule of ATP.
C)a molecule of AMP.
D)a particular amino acid and a molecule of ATP.
E)a particular amino acid and a molecule of AMP.
2.

The specific transfer RNA that then binds to the synthetase has...
A)a specific anticodon that corresponds to the specific amino acid.
B)a specific codon that corresponds to the specific amino acid.
C)a specific anticodon that corresponds to the specific synthetase.
D)a specific codon that corresponds to the specific synthetase.
E)a specific synthetase that corresponds to the specific codon.
3.

The charged tRNA molecule is then released from the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase and is used in the process of...
A)transcription.
B)translation.
C)transduction.
D)transformation.
E)transmogrification.
4.

The RNA sequence in the anticodon region as well as other parts of the tRNA molecule, such as the acceptor stem, are important for recognition between the tRNA and the aminoacyl tRNA synthetase.
A)True
B)False
5.

A charged tRNA molecule consists of a tRNA molecule and a corresponding amino acid.
A)True
B)False
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