Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking The Genetic Code A Guide To mRNA Codons

Word Count Emoji
402 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Introduction 🚀

Hey there, young biologist! Ever heard of the genetic code? No, it's not the password to some secret club (though how cool would that be?!). It’s the way our cells read the instructions written in our DNA to make proteins. Let's get decoding!

Deciphering the mRNA Codon Table

  • What's a codon? - A set of three mRNA bases which codes for a specific amino acid.
  • Do I need to memorize the table? - Nah! 😌 But when you've got one, you should know how to use it!
  • Fun Fact: Just like one emoji can have multiple meanings 😉😂, one amino acid can have between 1 to 6 codons.
  • 🍔 Bite-sized example: Tryptophan (an amino acid) = UGG (it's one and only codon). Think of tryptophan like a limited edition burger with only one version!

mRNA Sequence to Amino Acid Sequence

  • How do we read it? Think of it as reading a recipe. Each set of 3 bases = 1 ingredient (amino acid).
  • Step by Step
    • First base - Look down the left side of the table.
    • Second base - Scan across the top.
    • Third base - Check the right side.
  • 🍕 Slice of example: GCA (on mRNA) = Alanine (a pizza topping, I mean... amino acid).

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IB Resources
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Unlocking The Genetic Code A Guide To mRNA Codons

Word Count Emoji
402 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 14th Jun 2024

Table of content

Introduction 🚀

Hey there, young biologist! Ever heard of the genetic code? No, it's not the password to some secret club (though how cool would that be?!). It’s the way our cells read the instructions written in our DNA to make proteins. Let's get decoding!

Deciphering the mRNA Codon Table

  • What's a codon? - A set of three mRNA bases which codes for a specific amino acid.
  • Do I need to memorize the table? - Nah! 😌 But when you've got one, you should know how to use it!
  • Fun Fact: Just like one emoji can have multiple meanings 😉😂, one amino acid can have between 1 to 6 codons.
  • 🍔 Bite-sized example: Tryptophan (an amino acid) = UGG (it's one and only codon). Think of tryptophan like a limited edition burger with only one version!

mRNA Sequence to Amino Acid Sequence

  • How do we read it? Think of it as reading a recipe. Each set of 3 bases = 1 ingredient (amino acid).
  • Step by Step
    • First base - Look down the left side of the table.
    • Second base - Scan across the top.
    • Third base - Check the right side.
  • 🍕 Slice of example: GCA (on mRNA) = Alanine (a pizza topping, I mean... amino acid).

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟