Isoleucine anti-codons

[maingroupe]

hello people i have a simple question. why can't UAU be an anti-codon for Isoleucine.

Isoleuine codons: AUU AUC AUA
Isoleuine anti-codons: UAA, UAG, UAI

thanks

[MrMistery]

In can in theory. But I can pair with either C, U or A(wobble). So you see, UAI can pair with no problems with all three codons. I have never heard of the absence of the UAU anticodon, but then again, i don't know them all by heart. But because UAI is present, the absence of UAU would not pose a problem.

[Cat]

My guess would be because G-U base pairing is permitted in translation and UAU would be able to bind Met (AUG) as well as Ile (AUA) thus creating a problem while UAI can bind all three Ile codons, but not Met.

[MrMistery]

Good point. Didn't think of that..