Flexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons.
Crick proposed that the base at the 5' end of the anticodon can pair loosely with the 3' base of the codon; inosine in the anticodon pairs with U, C or A. This allows about 40 tRNA types to read 61 codons.
Wobble explains why most degenerate codon variation is at the third position.
Flexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons.
Wobble Hypothesis is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Transfer RNA, Codon, Translation.
A single tRNA with an anticodon of GAA can read UUC and UUU codons for phenylalanine.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to Wobble Hypothesis. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to Wobble Hypothesis are Transfer RNA, Codon, Translation, Genetic Code. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Wobble Hypothesis. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Wobble Hypothesis: Flexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons. Transfer RNA: Small RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Transfer RNA and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Small RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome.
🧫 Molecular BiologyA triplet of mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal.
🧫 Molecular BiologyRibosomes read the mRNA codons to assemble amino acids into a protein.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe set of three-base codons that specify amino acids; it is nearly universal across life.
🧫 Molecular Biology