Final answer:
The presence of start and stop codons in the genetic code facilitates the identification of open reading frames in DNA sequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characteristic of the genetic code that facilitates identification of open reading frames in DNA sequences is the presence of start codons and stop codons.
Start codons, such as the AUG codon, signal the beginning of an open reading frame and the initiation of protein synthesis. Stop codons, such as UAA, UAG, and UGA, signal the end of an open reading frame and the termination of protein synthesis.
By identifying these specific codons within a DNA sequence, researchers can determine the location and length of open reading frames, which are regions of DNA that have the potential to be translated into proteins.