Question

The genetic code has many important characteristics. For example, a specific codon always means the same thing in a particular species. Codons mean the same thing in most species (even though there are some exceptions). In some cases, a particular amino acid can be specified by more than one codon (the genetic code is degenerate). Which of the following answers describes an example of the degenerate nature of the code?

AUU, AUC, and AUA all code for Ile
There are no pauses or commas in the code.
The sequence "AUGCCGAUU" is read as three codons, AUG, then CCG, then AUU.
AUU codes for Ile in a wide variety of species

Answer 1

The correct answer is AUU, AUC and AUA all code for Ile.

Step-by-step explanation:

A codon refers to an arrangement of three RNA or DNA nucleotides, which relates with a particular amino acid or stop signal at the time of the synthesis of protein. Each codon resembles to a single amino acid or stops signal, and the entire arrangement of codons is known as the genetic code.

A codon is degenerative, which signifies that one amino acid may be implicit by more than one codon. Thus, it is correct that isoleucine can be implicit or specified by all the distinct AUU, AUA, and AUC codons.