During an experiment, scientists are examining the wobble hypothesis and how it allows for flexibility in base pairing during translation. Which statement best describes this phenomenon?
- a) The first base of the anticodon pairs strictly with the first base of the codon.
- b) The third base of the codon can pair with multiple bases due to less spatial restriction. ✓
- c) All bases in both codons and anticodons must match perfectly.
- d) The wobble hypothesis only applies to mitochondrial DNA.
The wobble hypothesis, proposed by Francis Crick in 1966, explains the flexibility in base pairing between the third position of a codon and the corresponding first position of an anticodon during translation. This phenomenon allows for a certain degree of non-standard pairing, which is crucial for the efficiency and accuracy of protein synthesis.
Among the provided options, the statement that best describes this phenomenon is:
b) The third base of the codon can pair with multiple bases due to less spatial restriction.
This statement accurately reflects the essence of the wobble hypothesis, which posits that while the first two bases of a codon-anticodon pair must adhere to strict Watson-Crick base pairing rules (A-U and G-C), the third base can exhibit more flexibility. This flexibility arises from structural considerations; specifically, there is less spatial restriction at this position, allowing for alternative pairing possibilities. For example, guanine in the anticodon can pair with either cytosine or uracil in the codon.
