Final Answer:
The false statement is E) There is one initiator codon that codes for an amino acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in DNA or RNA is translated into proteins. Each statement in the options relates to different aspects of the genetic code.
A) mRNA is indeed read three bases at a time, and these sets of three bases are called codons. This is an accurate description of the reading frame during translation.
B) Each codon is specific for only one amino acid. This statement is true; the genetic code is degenerate, meaning that while there are 64 possible codons, there are only 20 amino acids and some redundancy in the code.
C) Each amino acid is coded for by only one codon. While most amino acids are specified by multiple codons, each codon typically codes for a specific amino acid. However, there are exceptions to this rule due to the degeneracy of the genetic code.
D) There are three termination codons that do not code for amino acids. This statement is correct; UAA, UAG, and UGA are the three termination codons that signal the end of protein synthesis.
E) There is one initiator codon that codes for an amino acid. This statement is false. The initiator codon, AUG, codes for the amino acid methionine and serves as the starting point for protein synthesis.