2.3.3 - Nature Of The Genetic Code

Question 1

What Is The Genetic Code?

Answer 1

The sequence of base triplets in DNA and mRNA, which codes for specific amino acids.

Question 2

What Are Features Of The Genetic Code?
(4 Points)

Answer 2

~ Triplet code.

~ Non-overlapping.

~ Degenerate.

~ Universal.

Question 3

Describe The ‘Triplet Code’ Of The Genetic Code
(4 Points)

Answer 3

~ Determines the sequence of DNA nucleotide bases found within a gene.

~ Each sequence of triplet bases codes for one amino acid.

~ Each triplet codes for a different amino acid.

~ Some triplets code for start and stop codons.

Question 4

Describe How The Genetic Code Is ‘Non-Overlapping’
(2 Points)

Answer 4

~ Means that each base is only read once.

~ Means the same letter is not used for two different codons.

Question 5

Describe How The Genetic Code Is ‘Degenerate’
(2 Points)

Answer 5

~ There are more possible combinations of triplets than there are amino acids (20 amino acids but 64 possible triplets).

~ Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.

Question 6

Describe How The Genetic Code Is ‘Universal’
(2 Points)

Answer 6

~ Almost every organism uses the same code.

~ The same triplet codes code for the same amino acids in all living things.