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Prior to understanding the details of transcription and translation, geneticists predicted that DNA could encode amino acids only if a code of at least three nucleotides was used. The logic is that the nucleotide code must be able to specify the placement of 20 amino acids. Since there are only four nucleotides, a code of single nucleotides would only represent four amino acids, such that A, C, G and U could be translated to encode amino acids. A doublet code could code for 16 amino acids (4 x 4). A triplet code could make a genetic code for 64 different combinations (4 X 4 X 4) genetic code and provide plenty of information in the DNA molecule to specify the placement of all 20 amino acids. When experiments were performed to crack the genetic code it was found to be a code that was triplet. These three letter codes of nucleotides (AUG, AAA, etc.) are called codons.

The genetic code only needed to be cracked once because it is universal (with some rare exceptions). That means all organisms use the same codons to specify the placement of each of the 20 amino acids in protein formation. A codon table can therefore be constructed and any coding region of nucleotides read to determine the amino acid sequence of the protein encoded. A look at the genetic code in the codon table below reveals that the code is redundant meaning many of the amino acids can be coded by four or six possible codons. The amino acid sequence of proteins from all types of organisms is usually determined by sequencing the gene that encodes the protein and then reading the genetic code from the DNA sequence.

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Matt Mills

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What does it mean when we say the genetic code is redundant and how does this redundancy contribute to the versatility and robustness of genetic information?

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for flexibility in the genetic code, making it more versatile and robust. If a mutation occurs in the DNA, there is a higher chance that the resulting protein will still be functional due to the redundancy in the genetic code. This redundancy helps to ensure that genetic information can be accurately translated into proteins, even in the presence of errors or mutations.


What does it mean when we say the genetic code is redundant and how does this redundancy contribute to the complexity of genetic information?

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for flexibility and error correction in protein synthesis. It also contributes to the complexity of genetic information by providing a buffer against mutations and increasing the efficiency of protein production.


What does it mean when we say the genetic code is degenerate and how does this concept impact the process of protein synthesis?

The term "degenerate" in genetics refers to the redundancy in the genetic code, where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for some flexibility in the genetic code, as different codons can still produce the same amino acid during protein synthesis. This concept impacts the process of protein synthesis by providing a buffer against errors or mutations in the DNA sequence, as a change in one codon may not necessarily change the amino acid produced.


What is the major unit of the genetic code?

The major unit of the genetic code is a codon, which consists of three nucleotides in a specific sequence that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal. Each codon represents a specific instruction for the synthesis of a particular protein during gene expression.


What do scientists mean by mutations are random?

Mutations are changes in the nucleotide sequence of an organism's SNA, ultimately creating genetic diversity.They can be caused by mutagens--chemical or physical agents that interacts with DNA and causes mutations.They can also occur simply by error in DNA copying during cell reproduction.These situations are random, as in they are not planned and can happen to any DNA strand at any time.

Related Questions

What is One unit of genetic information is called?

Some would say the gene but in reality it is the codon or triplet. This is the set of three genetic "letters" that specifies an amino acid or an instruction to the ribosome.


What does it mean when we say the genetic code is redundant and how does this redundancy contribute to the versatility and robustness of genetic information?

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for flexibility in the genetic code, making it more versatile and robust. If a mutation occurs in the DNA, there is a higher chance that the resulting protein will still be functional due to the redundancy in the genetic code. This redundancy helps to ensure that genetic information can be accurately translated into proteins, even in the presence of errors or mutations.


What does it mean when we say the genetic code is redundant and how does this redundancy contribute to the complexity of genetic information?

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for flexibility and error correction in protein synthesis. It also contributes to the complexity of genetic information by providing a buffer against mutations and increasing the efficiency of protein production.


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What does it mean when we say the genetic code is degenerate and how does this concept impact the process of protein synthesis?

The term "degenerate" in genetics refers to the redundancy in the genetic code, where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy allows for some flexibility in the genetic code, as different codons can still produce the same amino acid during protein synthesis. This concept impacts the process of protein synthesis by providing a buffer against errors or mutations in the DNA sequence, as a change in one codon may not necessarily change the amino acid produced.


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The major unit of the genetic code is a codon, which consists of three nucleotides in a specific sequence that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal. Each codon represents a specific instruction for the synthesis of a particular protein during gene expression.


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