DNA, RNA and Protein Synthesis - The Genetic Code and Nucleic Acids Flashcards
1
Q
What is the genetic code?
A
The sequence of codons in mRNA which coe for specific amino acids.
In the genetic code, each codon is read in sequence, separate from the triplet before it and after it.
2
Q
The genetic code is non-overlapping.
What does this mean?
A
Codons don’t share their bases, and are read separately.
3
Q
The genetic code is degenerate.
What does this mean?
A
There are more possible combinations of triplets than there are of amino acids.
(i.e. 20 amino acids vs 64 possible triplets)
This means that some amino acids are coded for by more than one triplet, e.g. tyrosine can be coded for by UAU or UAC.
4
Q
The genetic code is universal.
What does this mean?
A
The same specific base triplets code for the same amino acids in all living things.
