Question

Describe Marshall Nirenberg's contribution to determining the role of RNA in genetics.

Answer 1

In 1959, he demonstrated that mRNA is significant in protein synthesis. By contributing to the central dogma, he showed that just like DNA, mRNA can be used to determine the genetic code. His experiment involved a cell whose DNA was denatured but injected with mRNA and showed that protein synthesis proceeded.  

Answer 2

Marshall Nirenberg discovered the first triplet i.e “ sequence of three bases of DNA” . These triplets codes for the 21 amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. While conducting experiment with  Johann Matthaei using test-tube techniques, they set up a “cell free system” and from ruptured E.coli which was exposed to radioactive RNA, they synthesized “Poly U” RNA which was entirely made of Uracil base.