A1.2.10 Conservation of the genetic code as evidence of universal common ancestry Flashcards
What does the codon AUG signify?
It codes for the amino acid methionine and serves as the ‘start’ signal for protein synthesis.
Why is the conservation of the genetic code significant for common ancestry?
The odds of different species evolving the same code independently are astronomically low.
What is the role of tRNA in the genetic code?
tRNA molecules act as ‘interpreters’ that help translate the genetic code into proteins.
What experimental evidence supports the universality of the genetic code?
Human genes can function in bacteria, plant genes can work in animals, and bacterial genes can operate in human cells.
Why is the genetic code considered a strong piece of evidence for common ancestry?
Its remarkable conservation across diverse species suggests a shared evolutionary origin.
What does the conservation of the genetic code across species indicate?
It suggests that a codon has the same meaning in different organisms, supporting the idea of common ancestry.
Why is the genetic code described as ‘universal’?
It is shared by diverse organisms, including bacteria, butterflies, bamboo, and humans.
What is meant by ‘frozen accident’ in the context of the genetic code?
It refers to the idea that the genetic code has persisted through billions of years of evolution, representing a fundamental unity of life.
What are the implications of the few exceptions to the universal genetic code?
They confirm the rule, as they represent minor variations that evolved later.
What does the conservation of the genetic code suggest about life’s history?
All life on Earth descended from a single ancestral population that existed billions of years ago.
How does the genetic code function as a ‘universal translator’?
It allows for the translation of genetic information into proteins across nearly all living cells.
What are some similarities in cellular machinery across life forms?
Ribosomes, tRNA molecules, and the processes of transcription and translation are similar in all organisms.
