TTT in DNA, according to the provided reference, is a codon that codes for the amino acid Phenylalanine.
Understanding Codons and DNA
DNA uses a four-letter alphabet (A, T, C, and G) to store genetic information. This information is used to create proteins, the workhorses of the cell. To do this, DNA sequences are read in triplets called codons. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid.
Key Concepts:
- DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions.
- Codon: A sequence of three DNA or RNA nucleotides that codes for a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
- Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins.
TTT as a Codon
As per the reference provided:
| Abbreviation (3 Letter) | Abbreviation (1 Letter) | Amino Acid |
|---|---|---|
| TTT | F | Phenylalanine |
This table clearly shows that the DNA codon TTT is the code for the amino acid Phenylalanine.
How it Works:
- During protein synthesis, the DNA sequence is transcribed into mRNA.
- The mRNA sequence is then read by ribosomes.
- The ribosome matches each codon in the mRNA with a corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that carries the correct amino acid.
- For the mRNA codon matching TTT (which would be AAA in the mRNA equivalent), the tRNA carrying the amino acid Phenylalanine would be added to the growing protein chain.
Importance
The specific codon-amino acid mapping is crucial for accurately translating genetic information into proteins. Errors in this process can lead to dysfunctional proteins and diseases.
