SPEC POINT 2.7

Question 1

Describe the nature of the genetic code:

Answer 1

The sequence of bases in DNA is what codes for the production of proteins with specific functions
1. Triplet code: it is sequences of three consecutive bases that code for specific amino acids. In the gene these three bases are referred to as triplets, while in the mRNA, they are called codons (anticodons in tRNA)
2. Universal code: the nature of the code is the same in all known living organisms
3. The code is degenerate: more than one triplet/codon can code for the same amino acid.
4. The code is specific. each triplet/codon cannot code for more than one amino acid
5. The code is non-overlapping: triplets/codons are read one after the other, and do not overlap