Final answer:
The key characteristics of the genetic code include its triplet nature, non-overlapping reading frame, degeneracy, lack of punctuation, and directional reading.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of the Genetic Code:
- Triplet Nature: The genetic code is composed of triplets or codons, which consist of three consecutive bases in mRNA that specify a particular amino acid.
- Non-Overlapping Reading Frame: The codons in the genetic code are read without overlapping, meaning that each base only belongs to a single codon.
- Degeneracy: Most amino acids have more than one codon that codes for them, except for methionine and tryptophan. This degeneracy allows for some tolerance to mutation and increases the efficiency of protein synthesis.
- Lack of Punctuation: The genetic code lacks punctuation, meaning that there are no spaces or punctuation between codons, and the reading frame is continuous.
- Directional Reading: The genetic code is read in a specific direction, starting from a specific codon called the start codon and progressing towards the stop codon.