The nature of the genetic code 2.1.3 f Flashcards
1
Q
State 3 facts about a gene
A
- Each gene contains a different sequence of bases
- Codes for a particular polypeptide
- Each gene is on a fixed position (locus) on a strand of DNA
2
Q
What does the order of bases in a gene control?
A
The order that the amino acids are assembled to produce a particular protein
3
Q
What codes for a particular amino acid?
A
The sequence of three bases
4
Q
What is a codon?
A
A codon codes for an amino acid - through a sequence of 3 nucleotide bases on mRNA
5
Q
Why is the genetic code degenerate?
A
As there is usually more than one condo that codes for each amino acid
6
Q
Why is the genetic code non-overlapping?
A
Each codon codes only for its particular amino acid
7
Q
Why is the genetic code universal?
A
As humans, animals, plants, and bacteria all have the exact same genetic code
7
Q
What does the shape and behaviour of a protein depend on?
A
The exact sequence of amino acids in the primary structure
