Which amino acid is encoded by the codon CGA?

Prepare for the Campbell Biology Concepts and Connections test. Hone your skills with multiple choice questions, flashcards, hints, and thorough explanations. Ace your exam effortlessly!

Multiple Choice

Which amino acid is encoded by the codon CGA?

Explanation:
Understanding how the genetic code maps codons to amino acids helps explain this. In mRNA, three-nucleotide codons specify which amino acid is added next during translation. The codons that code for arginine include CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG. Therefore, the codon CGA translates to arginine, which is why that option is the correct choice. For context, proline uses codons like CCU/CCC/CCA/CCG, cysteine uses UGU/UGC, and glycine uses GGU/GGC/GGA/GGG.

Understanding how the genetic code maps codons to amino acids helps explain this. In mRNA, three-nucleotide codons specify which amino acid is added next during translation. The codons that code for arginine include CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG. Therefore, the codon CGA translates to arginine, which is why that option is the correct choice. For context, proline uses codons like CCU/CCC/CCA/CCG, cysteine uses UGU/UGC, and glycine uses GGU/GGC/GGA/GGG.

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