A5. The Genetic Code & Nucleic Acids Flashcards
The natures of genetic code and their definitions
What is the genetic code?
The genetic code is the sequence of base triplets (codons) in mRNA which code for specific amino acids. In the genetic code, each base triplet is read in sequence, separate from the triplet before it and after it. Base triplets don’t share their bases—the code is non-overlapping.
The genetic code is also degenerate - there are more possible combinations
of triplets than there are amino acids (20 amino acids but 64 possible triplets).
This means that some amino acids are coded for by more than one base triplet.
Not all triplets code for amino acids though. For example, some triplets are used to tell the cell when to stop production of a protein- these are called stop signals. They’re found at the end of the mRNA.
The genetic code is also universal - the same specific base triplets code for the same amino acids in all living things. Eg. UAU codes for tyrosine in all organisms.
Interpreting experimental data on nucleic acids - Example
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