Where does translation occur and what is the genetic code?

Where does translation occur and what is the genetic code?

• A. Translation occurs in the nucleus; codons specify nucleotides; genetic code varies by organism.
• B. Translation occurs in the cytoplasm on ribosomes; codons specify amino acids; universal genetic code.
• C. Translation occurs in mitochondria; tRNAs do not match codons; code is not universal.
• D. Translation occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum; codons specify sugars.

Answer: (B)

Translation is the process that turns the message in mRNA into a protein, and it happens at ribosomes in the cytoplasm. The mRNA is read three nucleotides at a time as codons, and each codon specifies which amino acid will be added next, delivered by tRNAs whose anticodons pair with the codons. The genetic code is the set of codon-to-amino-acid mappings that defines this relationship. This code is essentially universal across organisms, meaning the same codons usually encode the same amino acids in bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi. There are a few exceptions in mitochondria and some organelles, but the standard code is widely shared.

Translation is the process that turns the message in mRNA into a protein, and it happens at ribosomes in the cytoplasm. The mRNA is read three nucleotides at a time as codons, and each codon specifies which amino acid will be added next, delivered by tRNAs whose anticodons pair with the codons. The genetic code is the set of codon-to-amino-acid mappings that defines this relationship. This code is essentially universal across organisms, meaning the same codons usually encode the same amino acids in bacteria, plants, animals, and fungi. There are a few exceptions in mitochondria and some organelles, but the standard code is widely shared.