[05] Genetic Code Flashcards

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1
Q

What is the genetic code?

A

The set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins (amino acid sequences) by living cells.

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2
Q

How many nucleotides make up a codon?

A

Three

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3
Q

What does each codon in the genetic code represent?

A

A specific amino acid

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4
Q

What are start and stop codons?

A

Start codons → signal the start of translation and the amino acid methionine

Stop codons → signal the end of translation

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5
Q

What is the start codon?

A

AUG

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6
Q

List the stop codons.

A
  • UAA
  • UAG
  • UGA
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7
Q

What does it mean that the genetic code is degenerate?

A

More than one codon can specify the same amino acid

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8
Q

How is the genetic code read?

A

It’s read in triplets of nucleotide bases, known as codons

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9
Q

GC - Initials

A

Genetic Code

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10
Q

Can the genetic code vary between organisms?

A

It’s largely universal but there are few exceptions

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11
Q

Is the genetic code overlapping?

A

No, each nucleotide is part of only one codon

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12
Q

What’s the role of tRNA in the genetic code?

A

tRNA molecules carry amino acids to the ribosome based on the codon in the mRNA

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13
Q

Is the genetic code conservative or evolving?

A

It’s conservative; changes would lead to drastic changes in protein sequence

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14
Q

What’s an anticodon?

A

A sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a tRNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in mRNA

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15
Q

How many possible codons are there in the genetic code?

A

64

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16
Q

How many of the codons code for amino acids?

A

61

17
Q

How many amino acids are coded by the genetic code?

A

20

18
Q

Is the genetic code the same for all organisms?

A

It is nearly universal, with very few exceptions

19
Q

What is the relationship between the genetic code and protein synthesis?

A

The genetic code dictates the sequence of amino acids in proteins during protein synthesis

20
Q

Which molecule serves as the template for the genetic code during protein synthesis?

A

mRNA