The genetic code is made up of groups of three nitrogen bases in the messenger RNA. Each three-base group, called a codon, codes for one amino acid. The table below shows the genetic code. To find the

amino acid that is coded for by the codon UGG in messenger RNA, look in the row of the first base in

the codon—U. Then move to the box that is specified by the second base in the codon—G. Finally, look

down the list of amino acids in the box until you find the one in row “G.” the third base in the codon.

You should find that UGG is the codon for tryptophan.

Transfer RNA matches up with the messenger RNA at the ribosome to deliver the correct amino acid to

the growing protein chain. Transfer RNA has a three-base code called an anticodon that matches up

with the codon in the messenger RNA.

1. If the DNA sequence of a gene were TACTTACCGAGCTAGACT, then what is the sequence of the messenger RNA?

2. Use the genetic code to identify the sequence of amino acids encoded by the messenger RNA

that you identified in Question 1.

3. What are the sequences of the anticodons for the transfer RNA molecules that carry each of the amino acids in the protein sequence that you identified in Question 2?