Features of gentic code Flashcards
How many features are there?
There are three features
What are the three features of the genetic code?
- Degenerate
- Universal
- Non - overlapping
What are start codons?
The first three bases, at the start of DNA or mRNA that code for the amino acid methionine
Does the methionine coded for at the start of every amino acid stay in the protein every time?
No, the methionine is removed sometimes if it is not needed in the protein’s structure
What are stop codons?
Stop codons are at the end of every gene and mark the end of a polypeptide chain, causing ribosomes to detach and stop translation
What is the meaning of a degenerate generic code?
A degenerate genetic code can code for an amino acid with more than triplet of bases
What is an advantage of degenerate genetic code?
If a point mutation occurs, the same amino acid may still be coded for despite the triplet of bases being different
What is a universal genetic code?
A universal genetic code is triplet of bases that codes for the same amino acids in all organisms
What is an advantage of universal genetic code?
An advantage of universal genetic code is genetic engineering being possible.
Example of universal genetic engineering?
Inserting the human gene for insulin in bacteria so bacteria. an produce insulin as well
What is a non overlapping genetic code?
A non overlapping genetic code is a code that has each base apart of one triplet only and is read as a discrete unit
What is an advantage of a non overlapping genetic code?
An advantage of a non overlapping genetic code is if a mutation occurs only one codon will be affected
What is an intron?
An intron is a section of DNA that does not code for any amino acids/polypeptide chains
Where are introns located?
Introns are located in eukaryotic DNA
Why are introns not located in mRNA molecules?
mRNA molecules remove, splice introns out.
