The genetic code and nucleic acids

Question 1

What is the genetic code

Answer 1

The genetic code is the sequence of base triplets (codons) in mRNA which code for specific amino acids

Question 2

How is the genetic code, non overlapping

Answer 2

Each codon is read in sequence, separate from the triplet before and after it

Question 3

How is the genetic code degenerate

Answer 3

There are more possible combinations of triplets than there are amino acids (20 amino acids, 64 possible triplets). So, some amino acids are coded for by more than one codon

Question 4

Do all triplets code for amino acids

Answer 4

No, some triplets are used to tell the cell when to stop production of a protein - these are called stop signals/codons. (There are also start codons, but they code for a specific amino acid called methionine)

Question 5

How is the genetic code universal

Answer 5

The same specific base triplets code for the same amino acids in all living things