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Biology Help: Describe Translation And Protein Assembly

Review real example questions for Describe Translation And Protein Assembly in Biology.

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During translation, what is the main function of tRNA?​

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Question 1

During translation, what is the main function of tRNA?​

  1. To bring specific amino acids to the ribosome by using its anticodon to match an mRNA codon. (correct answer)
  2. To store genetic information long-term in the nucleus.
  3. To join nucleotides together to form an mRNA strand at the ribosome.
  4. To determine the amino acid sequence by randomly selecting amino acids based on availability.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. During translation, tRNA molecules function as adaptor molecules: each tRNA carries a specific amino acid attached to one end and has an anticodon (three bases) at the other end that complementarily pairs with a specific mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered to the ribosome in the proper sequence. Choice A correctly describes tRNA's main function (brings specific amino acids to ribosome using anticodon-codon matching). Choice B describes DNA's function, not tRNA's—tRNA doesn't store genetic information; Choice C incorrectly has tRNA joining nucleotides—tRNA carries amino acids, not nucleotides, and doesn't make mRNA; Choice D suggests random amino acid selection—tRNA specifically matches anticodon to codon, ensuring precise amino acid delivery, not random selection. The translation process breakdown: Think of translation like an ASSEMBLY LINE: (1) mRNA is the INSTRUCTION MANUAL (blueprint) containing the sequence of codons, (2) Ribosome is the ASSEMBLY MACHINE that reads instructions three bases at a time and coordinates assembly, (3) tRNA molecules are DELIVERY TRUCKS, each carrying one amino acid (the parts) and each with an anticodon address that matches one mRNA codon (ensuring delivery to right place in sequence), (4) Amino acids are the PARTS that get assembled (linked together by ribosome) in the exact order specified by mRNA instructions, (5) Growing protein chain is the PRODUCT being assembled one amino acid at a time. Each tRNA is like a specialized delivery truck that only carries one type of amino acid and only delivers to addresses (codons) that match its anticodon!

Question 2

A simplified mRNA segment is: AUG–UUU–GGC–UAA. In translation, what does the ribosome do with this information?​

  1. It reads the mRNA one base at a time and adds one amino acid per base until the mRNA ends.
  2. It uses tRNA to match each three-base codon in order and links the delivered amino acids into a chain until a stop codon is reached. (correct answer)
  3. It converts the mRNA back into DNA and then sends the DNA out of the cell.
  4. It stays in the nucleus and edits the mRNA codons into a different order before making a protein.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. For the mRNA segment AUG-UUU-GGC-UAA, the ribosome would: start at AUG (start codon specifying methionine), read UUU (specifying phenylalanine), then GGC (specifying glycine), and stop at UAA (stop codon), producing a three-amino-acid protein in that exact order. Choice B correctly describes the ribosome's action (uses tRNA to match each three-base codon in order and links delivered amino acids until stop codon). Choice A incorrectly states one base per amino acid—ribosomes read three bases (codon) per amino acid; Choice C suggests reverse transcription and export—ribosomes make proteins from mRNA, not DNA from mRNA; Choice D incorrectly places ribosomes in nucleus and suggests codon editing—ribosomes work in cytoplasm and read codons as given without editing. The translation process breakdown: Think of translation like an ASSEMBLY LINE: (1) mRNA is the INSTRUCTION MANUAL (blueprint) containing the sequence of codons, (2) Ribosome is the ASSEMBLY MACHINE that reads instructions three bases at a time and coordinates assembly, (3) tRNA molecules are DELIVERY TRUCKS, each carrying one amino acid (the parts) and each with an anticodon address that matches one mRNA codon (ensuring delivery to right place in sequence), (4) Amino acids are the PARTS that get assembled (linked together by ribosome) in the exact order specified by mRNA instructions, (5) Growing protein chain is the PRODUCT being assembled one amino acid at a time. For AUG-UUU-GGC-UAA: the ribosome reads AUG (tRNA brings methionine), moves to UUU (tRNA brings phenylalanine), moves to GGC (tRNA brings glycine), then reaches UAA (stop—release completed protein)!

Question 3

In translation, the ribosome reads mRNA in units called codons. What is a codon?​

  1. A single mRNA base that codes for one protein.
  2. Three consecutive bases on mRNA that specify one amino acid (or a stop signal). (correct answer)
  3. A three-amino-acid sequence that codes for one mRNA base.
  4. A section of DNA that carries an amino acid to the ribosome.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. A codon is the fundamental unit of the genetic code: it consists of three consecutive nucleotide bases on mRNA that specify which amino acid should be added next to the growing protein chain (or signal translation to stop). Choice B correctly defines a codon (three consecutive bases on mRNA that specify one amino acid or stop signal). Choice A incorrectly states a single base codes for one protein—single bases don't code for anything independently, and codons specify amino acids, not entire proteins; Choice C reverses the concept by having amino acids code for mRNA bases—codons (mRNA bases) specify amino acids, not the other way around; Choice D confuses codon with a DNA segment carrying amino acids—codons are mRNA sequences that specify amino acids, they don't carry them. The three-base codon system: why does it take THREE bases to specify one amino acid? Mathematics: with 4 bases (A, U, G, C), if each base coded for one amino acid, only 4 amino acids possible (too few—cells use 20 amino acids!). If two bases coded for one amino acid: 4² = 16 combinations (still too few). With THREE bases: 4³ = 64 possible codons (enough for 20 amino acids with redundancy—multiple codons for same amino acid). So reading in triplets (non-overlapping sets of 3) provides sufficient coding capacity. Example: mRNA AUGCCGUAA read as AUG-CCG-UAA (3 codons = 3 amino acids specified). This triplet reading is universal across all life!

Question 4

In translation, mRNA codons are read in sets of three bases. What is the relationship between an mRNA codon and the protein being built?

  1. Each codon on mRNA specifies one amino acid to be added to the protein in that position. (correct answer)
  2. Each single base on mRNA specifies one amino acid, so codons are not needed.
  3. Codons are found on tRNA, and they determine which nucleotide is added to DNA.
  4. Codons are only used during transcription in the nucleus, not during translation.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. For this query, mRNA codons directly dictate the sequence of amino acids in the protein, with each triplet codon corresponding to a specific amino acid position. Choice A correctly explains the relationship, as each mRNA codon specifies one amino acid in the protein's sequence. Choice B fails because codons are essential—single bases would only allow 4 amino acids (too few for the 20 needed), so the three-base system is crucial. The three-base codon system: why does it take THREE bases to specify one amino acid? Mathematics: with 4 bases (A, U, G, C), if each base coded for one amino acid, only 4 amino acids possible (too few—cells use 20 amino acids!); with two bases: 4² = 16 (still too few); with THREE: 4³ = 64 (enough with redundancy)—great job grasping this universal code! Example: mRNA AUGCCGUAA read as AUG-CCG-UAA (3 codons = 3 amino acids specified), and remember translation occurs in the cytoplasm using mRNA from the nucleus.

Question 5

A student says, "The ribosome is where the protein is assembled from the mRNA message." What is the ribosome's main role during translation?

  1. It reads mRNA codons and helps join amino acids together into a growing protein chain. (correct answer)
  2. It carries amino acids through the cytoplasm using an anticodon to match DNA.
  3. It converts a finished protein back into mRNA so the message can be reused.
  4. It stays in the nucleus and makes mRNA by pairing RNA nucleotides with DNA.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. The result: a protein whose amino acid sequence is determined by the mRNA sequence, which in turn was determined by the DNA gene sequence—this is how genetic information flows from DNA to functional proteins! In detail, the ribosome binds to mRNA, moves along it codon by codon, positions tRNAs for anticodon-codon pairing, and forms peptide bonds between delivered amino acids to grow the protein chain. Choice A correctly captures the ribosome's main role in reading mRNA codons and joining amino acids, aligning with its function as the central assembly hub. Distractors like Choice D confuse the ribosome with RNA polymerase, which actually makes mRNA in the nucleus during transcription, not translation—remember, ribosomes are for protein synthesis! To strategize, visualize the ribosome as a factory machine: it reads the mRNA tape (codons), calls in tRNA workers with amino acid supplies, and welds them together— this breakdown helps clarify its starring role in translation.

Question 6

During translation, a cell uses the instructions in an mRNA molecule to build a protein. Which statement best describes what happens during translation?

  1. In the nucleus, ribosomes copy DNA into mRNA, and tRNA links nucleotides together to form the mRNA strand.
  2. At ribosomes in the cytoplasm, the mRNA is read three bases at a time (codons), tRNA brings matching amino acids, and the ribosome links the amino acids into a protein in the order specified by the mRNA. (correct answer)
  3. In the cytoplasm, tRNA reads DNA directly and builds a protein by attaching nucleotides to each other without a ribosome.
  4. At ribosomes, each single base on the mRNA codes for one amino acid, so the protein sequence is determined one nucleotide at a time.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. The result: a protein whose amino acid sequence is determined by the mRNA sequence, which in turn was determined by the DNA gene sequence—this is how genetic information flows from DNA to functional proteins! In this process, the ribosome acts as the assembly site, reading the mRNA codons, facilitating tRNA matching, and catalyzing the bonding of amino acids into the protein chain. Choice B correctly describes translation with accurate component roles (ribosome reads, tRNA brings amino acids, amino acids link) and proper sequence relationship (mRNA codons determine amino acid order). A common distractor like Choice A fails by confusing translation with transcription, as ribosomes do not copy DNA into mRNA—that's RNA polymerase in the nucleus— and tRNA doesn't link nucleotides. Think of translation like an assembly line: mRNA is the instruction manual with codon blueprints, the ribosome is the machine reading and coordinating, tRNA are delivery trucks matching anticodons to codons to bring the right amino acid parts, and the protein is the final product assembled in precise order—keep practicing this analogy to master the flow!

Question 7

A tRNA has an anticodon that is complementary to an mRNA codon. What is the main purpose of this codon–anticodon matching during translation?

  1. To ensure the correct amino acid is added to the protein according to the mRNA sequence. (correct answer)
  2. To ensure the correct nucleotide is added to DNA during translation.
  3. To splice introns out of the mRNA before it leaves the nucleus.
  4. To allow ribosomes to convert proteins back into mRNA when the cell needs more instructions.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. The codon-anticodon matching is crucial: each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that's complementary to one or more mRNA codons; for example, if mRNA has codon AUG, the tRNA with anticodon UAC (complementary to AUG) will bind, bringing methionine; this complementary base pairing ensures that the correct amino acid is added at each position according to the genetic code. Choice A correctly identifies the purpose: ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the protein according to the mRNA sequence—this codon-anticodon complementarity is the molecular basis for accurate translation of genetic information into protein. Choice B incorrectly relates this to DNA and nucleotides (translation builds proteins from amino acids, not DNA from nucleotides), Choice C describes RNA splicing which happens before translation, and Choice D nonsensically suggests converting proteins back to mRNA. The translation process breakdown: Think of translation like an ASSEMBLY LINE: (1) mRNA is the INSTRUCTION MANUAL (blueprint) containing the sequence of codons, (2) Ribosome is the ASSEMBLY MACHINE that reads instructions three bases at a time and coordinates assembly, (3) tRNA molecules are DELIVERY TRUCKS, each carrying one amino acid (the parts) and each with an anticodon address that matches one mRNA codon (ensuring delivery to right place in sequence), (4) Amino acids are the PARTS that get assembled (linked together by ribosome) in the exact order specified by mRNA instructions, (5) Growing protein chain is the PRODUCT being assembled one amino acid at a time.

Question 8

During translation, a cell uses the information in mRNA to build a protein. Which statement best describes what happens during translation at the ribosome?

  1. The ribosome copies DNA into mRNA in the nucleus, and each single mRNA base codes for one amino acid.
  2. The ribosome reads mRNA codons (three bases at a time) in the cytoplasm, and tRNA molecules bring matching amino acids that are linked together to form a protein. (correct answer)
  3. tRNA molecules build a strand of mRNA by joining nucleotides together, and the ribosome transports the mRNA back into the nucleus.
  4. Proteins are used as templates to assemble mRNA, and the order of amino acids is not related to the mRNA sequence.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. During translation, the ribosome acts as the assembly machine: it binds to mRNA, reads codons sequentially (AUG-CCG-UAA...), accepts tRNA molecules carrying amino acids (each tRNA's anticodon matches the current mRNA codon), and catalyzes peptide bond formation between adjacent amino acids, building the protein chain one amino acid at a time. Choice B correctly describes translation with accurate component roles (ribosome reads mRNA codons three bases at a time, tRNA brings matching amino acids, amino acids are linked to form protein) and proper location (cytoplasm). Choice A incorrectly places ribosome in nucleus copying DNA (that's RNA polymerase during transcription) and wrongly states single bases code for amino acids (it's triplets/codons). The translation process breakdown: Think of translation like an ASSEMBLY LINE: (1) mRNA is the INSTRUCTION MANUAL (blueprint) containing the sequence of codons, (2) Ribosome is the ASSEMBLY MACHINE that reads instructions three bases at a time and coordinates assembly, (3) tRNA molecules are DELIVERY TRUCKS, each carrying one amino acid (the parts) and each with an anticodon address that matches one mRNA codon (ensuring delivery to right place in sequence), (4) Amino acids are the PARTS that get assembled (linked together by ribosome) in the exact order specified by mRNA instructions, (5) Growing protein chain is the PRODUCT being assembled one amino acid at a time.

Question 9

Which option correctly matches each molecule with its role in translation?

  1. mRNA: brings amino acids; tRNA: reads codons; ribosome: stores DNA
  2. mRNA: carries the genetic code as codons; tRNA: delivers specific amino acids; ribosome: links amino acids into a protein (correct answer)
  3. mRNA: makes DNA; tRNA: makes mRNA; ribosome: makes nucleotides
  4. mRNA: is the protein product; tRNA: is a codon; ribosome: is an amino acid

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. In translation, each component has a specific role: mRNA serves as the template carrying genetic information as a sequence of codons (like AUGCCGUAA), tRNA molecules act as adapters that deliver specific amino acids (each tRNA's anticodon matches one mRNA codon), and the ribosome functions as the assembly machine that reads codons and catalyzes peptide bond formation between amino acids. Choice B correctly matches each molecule with its translation role: mRNA carries the genetic code as codons (the instructions), tRNA delivers specific amino acids (the building blocks), and ribosome links amino acids into a protein (the assembly machine)—this accurately describes how these three components work together. Choice A reverses mRNA and tRNA roles and wrongly says ribosome stores DNA, Choice C describes impossible processes (mRNA doesn't make DNA), and Choice D confuses molecules with their products/components (mRNA isn't protein, tRNA isn't a codon). The translation process breakdown: Think of translation like an ASSEMBLY LINE: (1) mRNA is the INSTRUCTION MANUAL (blueprint) containing the sequence of codons, (2) Ribosome is the ASSEMBLY MACHINE that reads instructions three bases at a time and coordinates assembly, (3) tRNA molecules are DELIVERY TRUCKS, each carrying one amino acid (the parts) and each with an anticodon address that matches one mRNA codon (ensuring delivery to right place in sequence), (4) Amino acids are the PARTS that get assembled (linked together by ribosome) in the exact order specified by mRNA instructions, (5) Growing protein chain is the PRODUCT being assembled one amino acid at a time.

Question 10

Two different mRNA molecules are translated by ribosomes in the same cell. They have different base sequences. Which outcome is most likely?

  1. They will always produce the exact same protein because all mRNA molecules code for the same amino acids.
  2. They may produce different proteins because different mRNA codon sequences can lead to different amino acid sequences. (correct answer)
  3. They will produce different mRNA molecules, not proteins, because translation makes RNA.
  4. They will produce proteins with the same amino acid order because ribosomes ignore the mRNA sequence and assemble amino acids in a fixed pattern.

Explanation: This question tests your understanding of translation—the process by which ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequences and assemble amino acids in the correct order to build proteins. Translation is the RNA-to-protein synthesis process that occurs at ribosomes in the cytoplasm: (1) mRNA (made during transcription) carries the genetic code from the nucleus to ribosomes, (2) ribosomes read the mRNA sequence three bases at a time—each three-base unit is called a codon and specifies one particular amino acid, (3) transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules bring amino acids to the ribosome, with each tRNA having an anticodon (three bases) that pairs complementarily with the mRNA codon, ensuring the correct amino acid is delivered, (4) the ribosome links amino acids together in the order specified by the mRNA codon sequence, forming a growing chain (peptide bonds connect amino acids), and (5) when a stop codon is reached, the completed protein is released. When two different mRNA molecules have different base sequences, they contain different codon sequences, which means tRNAs will bring different amino acids in different orders—resulting in proteins with different amino acid sequences and therefore different structures and functions. Choice B correctly predicts that different mRNA codon sequences lead to different amino acid sequences in the resulting proteins—this is fundamental to how genetic variation creates protein diversity, as each unique mRNA sequence encodes a unique protein. Choice A incorrectly claims all mRNAs code for the same amino acids—actually, different mRNA sequences contain different codons, which specify different amino acids, allowing cells to produce thousands of different proteins with distinct functions. The sequence-to-function relationship: Consider how mRNA differences create protein differences: (1) mRNA #1: AUG-CCA-GGU codes for Met-Pro-Gly, (2) mRNA #2: AUG-UCU-AAA codes for Met-Ser-Lys, (3) Different codons → different amino acids → different protein properties! This is why mutations that change mRNA sequence can alter protein function—the mRNA sequence directly determines the protein's amino acid sequence, which determines how the protein folds and functions!