134k views
4 votes
Life as we know it depends on the genetic code: a set of codons, each made up of three bases in a DNA sequence and corresponding mRNA sequence, that specifies which of the 20 amino acids will be added to the protein during translation. Imagine that a prokaryote-like organism has been discovered in the polar ice on Mars. Interestingly, these Martian organisms use the same DNA → RNA → protein system as life on Earth, except that there are only 2 bases (A and T) in the Martian DNA, and there are only 17 amino acids found in Martian proteins. Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical Martian life-forms? View Available Hint(s) Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical Martian life-forms? 2 bases 3 bases 4 bases 5 bases 6 bases The answer cannot be determined from the information provided.

User Richard J
by
7.4k points

2 Answers

2 votes

Answer:

5

Step-by-step explanation:

life as we know it awncer

User Markstar
by
7.2k points
3 votes

Answer:

5 bases

Step-by-step explanation:

If there are 17 amino acids and only 2 bases that can be combined in order to make a codon then:

for 4 bases
4^(2) is 16 and it is not enough combination for all 17 amino acids

for 5 bases
5^(2) is 25 combinations (meaning that more than one codon could code for the same amino acid).

User Mahsa Hassankashi
by
6.6k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.