Question

What is the wobble effect in the context of the genetic code?

Options

• The pairing of non-complementary bases at the first position of codons

• Flexibility at the third base of a codon, allowing synonymous codons to differ at this position

• The random movement of the ribosome along mRNA

• The variation in the speed of protein synthesis

Answer 1

The wobble effect describes the flexibility that exists at the third position of codons. Many synonymous codons (codons that code for the same amino acid) differ only in the third base. For example, GUU, GUC, GUA, and GUG all code for valine. This flexibility reduces the number of tRNAs needed and provides a buffer against certain mutations.