The genetic code and nucleic acids Flashcards
1
Q
What is the genetic code?
A
The genetic code is the sequence of base triplets in mRNA which code for specific amino acids
2
Q
What does non-overlapping mean?
A
Base triplets don’t share their bases
3
Q
What does degenerate mean?
A
There are more possible combinations of triplets than there are amino acids
Some amino acids are coded for by more than one base triplet
4
Q
What are stop signals?
A
Found at the end of mRNA
Signals to stop the production of a protein
5
Q
What are start codons?
A
Found at the start mRNA
Signals to start the production of a protein
6
Q
What does universal mean?
A
The same specific base triplets code for the same amino acids in all living things
