Transfer RNAs can recognise more than one synonymous codon differing only at the third position. This phenomenon is explained by:
- A Post-transcriptional editing of the anticodon after charging
- B Slippage of the ribosome by one nucleotide at the A site
- C Relaxed base pairing at the first codon position permitted by the wobble hypothesis ✓
- D Use of two different anticodon loops generated by alternative splicing
Correct answer: C. Relaxed base pairing at the first codon position permitted by the wobble hypothesis
Explanation
Crick's wobble hypothesis states that the first base of the anticodon (which pairs with the third codon position) does not need strict Watson-Crick pairing, allowing one tRNA to read several codons that differ at the third position. The third codon base is the wobble position precisely because it is the least stringently checked during decoding. Ribosomal frameshift slippage causes altered reading frames, not synonymy, and mature tRNAs are not alternatively spliced.
Reference: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, 8th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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