genetic code

Question 1

what is a mutation?

Answer 1

a random error that leads to a change in the sequence of bases

Question 2

what is the genetic code?

Answer 2

the code for the sequence of amino acids

Question 3

what does ‘triplet code’ mean?

Answer 3

• the code is a sequence of 3 bases called a codon
• each codon codes for 1 amino acid
• sequence of codons = gene

Question 4

what does it mean by the genetic code being ‘degenerate’?

Answer 4

• amino acids are coded for by more than one triplet of bases

advantageous,
- if mutation occurs, may still code for same amino acid
- won’t affect protein shape and function

Question 5

what does it mean by the genetic code being ‘universal’?

Answer 5

the same triplet of bases codes for the same amino acid in all organisms

Question 6

what does it mean by the genetic code being ‘non-overlapping’?

Answer 6

each base sequence is only read once