genetic code Flashcards
1
Q
name the 3 features of the genetic code
A
- non-overlapping
- degenerate
- universal
2
Q
what does it mean for the genetic code to be non-overlapping
A
each triplet is only read once
3
Q
what does it mean for the genetic code to be degenerate
A
more than one triplet codes for the same amino acid - 64 possible triplets for only 20 amino acids
4
Q
what does it mean for the genetic code to universal
A
same bases and sequences used by all species
5
Q
how does a gene determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein
A
consists of base triplets that code for specific amino acids
6
Q
what is a mutation?
A
- an alteration to the DNA base sequence
- often arise spontaneously during DNA replication
