In decoding the genetic message, the specific pairing between mRNA codons and tRNA anticodons determines amino acid placement. This overall idea is called the:

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Adaptor hypothesis

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
How does a nucleotide codon sequence specify a particular amino acid? Francis Crick proposed that an intermediate ‘‘adaptor’’ molecule reads mRNA and carries the corresponding amino acid to the ribosome, explaining the mapping from nucleic acid language to protein language.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • tRNA molecules bind codons via anticodons.
  • Aminoacyl–tRNA synthetases charge each tRNA with the correct amino acid.
  • mRNA provides the codon sequence to be translated.


Concept / Approach:
The adaptor hypothesis states that tRNA acts as the adaptor linking codon information to its amino acid. The wobble hypothesis is a related but narrower idea: flexibility at the third codon position allows fewer tRNAs to recognize multiple codons. The question asks for the broader conceptual framework explaining position determination of amino acids in a polypeptide by mRNA–tRNA pairing, which is the adaptor hypothesis.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the molecules that interact to place amino acids: mRNA codon and tRNA anticodon.Select the concept that posits tRNA as the adaptor carrying amino acids according to codons.Choose ‘‘Adaptor hypothesis.’’


Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemical charging of tRNAs by aminoacyl–tRNA synthetases and codon–anticodon pairing at the ribosome directly validate the adaptor model.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • Wobble hypothesis: explains third-position flexibility, not the overall adaptor concept.
  • Stagerivity/promiscuity: nonstandard terms in this context.
  • ‘‘Central dogma exception’’: unrelated to codon recognition.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing wobble (a specific pairing nuance) with the general adaptor framework that covers all codon–anticodon recognition events.


Final Answer:
Adaptor hypothesis

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