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    ​The amino acid arginine is encoded by six codons: CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG. Assuming inosine is not an option in the tRNA anticodon, what is
    Question

    The amino acid arginine is encoded by six codons: CGU, CGC, CGA, CGG, AGA, and AGG. Assuming inosine is not an option in the tRNA anticodon, what is the minimum number of tRNAs that would be sufficient to read these codons?

    A.

    Six

    B.

    Four

    C.

    Three

    D.

    Five

    Correct option is C

    Explanation-

    Codon-Anticodon pairing:
                       Codons are read 5′→3′.
                       Anticodons pair 3′→5′ (antiparallel).
                       Wobble base pairing is allowed only at the third codon position (i.e., first base of the anticodon).
    Wobble rules (without inosine):
                       1.  G in anticodon can pair with C or U in codon.
                       2.  U in anticodon can pair with A or G in codon.
                       3.  A, C, and G pair strictly with U, G, and C respectively.

    Group 1: CGU & CGC
                 Codons end in U and C.
                 G in the first position of the anticodon can read both U and C.
    So, 1 tRNA with anticodon 3′-GCI-5′ (but without inosine, just G for wobble). 1 tRNA can read both CGU & CGC.

    Group 2: CGA & CGG
                  Ends in A and G.
                  U in anticodon can pair with both A and G.
                  1 tRNA can read CGA & CGG.

    Group 3: AGA & AGG
                  Ends in A and G.
                 1 tRNA for both AGA & AGG.

    Minimum tRNAs Required:
              1 for CGU/CGC
              1 for CGA/CGG
              1 for AGA/AGG
    Total = 3 tRNAs

     So, the correct answer is option C - Three




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