Out of 64 codons, 61 codons code for 20 types of amino acid. It is cal...
Out of 64 codons, only 3 signify stop codons. There are more than one codon for most of the amino acids, the genetic code is non-over lapping. Three successive nucleotides or bases code for only one amino acid wobbling refers to the third base degeneracy.
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Out of 64 codons, 61 codons code for 20 types of amino acid. It is cal...
Explanation:
The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins. In this code, a sequence of three nucleotides (codon) specifies a particular amino acid. There are a total of 64 possible codons, but only 20 different amino acids. This means that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This phenomenon is known as the degeneracy of the genetic code.
Understanding the options:
a) Degeneracy of genetic code: Refers to the fact that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
b) Overlapping of gene: Refers to the phenomenon where a single nucleotide sequence can encode multiple overlapping genes.
c) Wobbling of codon: Refers to the ability of the third base in a codon to vary while still coding for the same amino acid.
d) Universality of codons: Refers to the fact that the genetic code is nearly universal among all organisms.
Explanation of the correct answer:
Out of the 64 possible codons, only 61 code for amino acids, while the remaining three codons (UAA, UAG, and UGA) are stop codons, which signal the end of protein synthesis. Since there are only 20 different types of amino acids, it means that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy or degeneracy of the genetic code provides robustness and minimizes the effects of mutations or errors in DNA replication.
For example, the amino acid leucine is coded by six different codons: CUU, CUC, CUA, CUG, UUA, and UUG. This redundancy allows for variation in the genetic code without affecting the protein sequence or function.
The degeneracy of the genetic code also enables the process of translation to be more efficient. It allows for multiple tRNA molecules to recognize and bind to different codons that code for the same amino acid. This reduces the number of tRNA molecules needed and speeds up translation.
In conclusion, the fact that out of the 64 possible codons, only 61 code for amino acids is known as the degeneracy of the genetic code. This degeneracy allows for redundancy, robustness, and efficiency in protein synthesis. Therefore, option 'A' is the correct answer.
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