In an Experiment, Erythrocyte Precursor Cells Are Incubated in a Medium

In an experiment, erythrocyte precursor cells are incubated in a medium containing radiolabeled cysteine.  These radiolabeled cysteine residues are attached to their appropriate tRNAs by the enzyme aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase.  The bound cysteine residues are then chemically modified to form alanine.  The end product of this reaction is a tRNA molecule that contains the cysteine anticodon but is mischarged with alanine.  Which of the following is most likely to occur to this alanine residue during polypeptide synthesis of alpha-hemoglobin?

A) It will be incorporated into the polypeptide chain at a site requiring alanine
B) It will be incorporated into the polypeptide chain at a site requiring cysteine
C) It will be randomly incorporated into the polypeptide chain, halting chain elongation
D) It will be rapidly cleaved off tRNA by the enzyme glycosylase
E) It will never be incorporated into the polypeptide chain and will remain attached to tRNA

Correct Answer:

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