Question

If you have a mutation in a tRNA gene that impacts the second position of the anticodon, how would this change the protein product being produced at the ribosome?

Answer 1

Mutation in other first position or second position of transfer RNA anticodon will change the whole anticodon sequence of the transfer RNA and therefore the amino acid carried by that transfer RNA would also be changed. This will result in a change in the sequence of amino acid of protein thereby affecting the three dimensional structure of protein. This will lead to mutation in protein and therefore loss of its normal function, resulting in a genetic disorder.

If third base of the anti codon is mutated, then it will not affect the transfer RNA and therefore Amino acid sequence will not change. This is because of wobble hypothesis. As per this hypothesis, third base of an anticodon is a wobble and can base pair with more than one bases of codon.

Mutation in first or second base of anti codon is detrimental to cell whereas mutation in third base is not harmful.

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