A strain of mutant bacteria has been isolated. You isolate the mRNA corresponding to the mutated gene from this bacterial strain to use in an in vitro translation system and note that even in vitro it is difficult to use this message and obtain protein

Question

Of the following, which is a likely explanation for these results?
A) There may be a mutation in the Shine–Dalgarno sequence of the DNA, resulting in mRNA that binds poorly to the ribosome.
B) There may be a mutation in the ribosomal rRNA recognizing the Shine–Dalgarno sequence of the message.
C) This mutant may have altered tRNA molecules, such that the codon–anticodon interaction during translation is affected.
D) This mutant may not manufacture enough translation factors for effective translation.
E) In this mutant, the ribosomal subunits may not associate well enough for effective translation.

Answer 1

Answer: A