Final answer:
The total number of possible codons formed from four nucleotides is 64; 61 encode amino acids and 3 are stop codons signaling the end of protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are a total of 64 possible codons when the number of distinct triplets is formed from four nucleotides (43). These codons are the building blocks of genetic information in the form of sequences on mRNA that specify amino acids during protein synthesis. Among these 64 codons, 61 codons encode for amino acids, and the remaining three are stop codons (UGA, UAA, and UAG), which signal the termination of protein synthesis. The degeneracy of the genetic code allows for some amino acids to be specified by more than one codon, providing a robustness against certain mutations.
The genetic code's ability to translate nucleotide sequences into amino acids is a fundamental aspect of biological function and diversity. By understanding the basis of the genetic code and how codons are formed from nucleotide triplets, we can appreciate the complex language through which life encodes its genetic instructions.