Genetic Coding (2.7)

Question 1

1) Describe the nature of the genetic code by defining the following:
a) degenerate
b) triplet code
c) non-overlapping

Answer 1

The genetic code is universal. All known living organisms use the same genetic code. This shows that all organisms share a common evolutionary history.
The genetic code is unambiguous. Each codon codes for just one amino acid (or start or stop). What might happen if codons encoded more than one amino acid?
The genetic code is redundant. Most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. In the Figure above, how many codons code for the amino acid threonine? What might be an advantage of having more than one codon for the same amino acid?