Question

If a nucleic acid accidentally is switched on the third base of a codon, a built-in redundancy ensures that the same amino acid still codes. As a result, there is an effect on the protein synthesized.

Answer 1

The redundancy in the genetic code allows for a certain degree of mutation without altering the amino acid sequence of proteins, particularly at the third base of a codon. Frameshift mutations are more disruptive, changing every amino acid following the mutation. This redundancy is a crucial feature to prevent detrimental effects on protein functionality.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genetic code's redundancy means that a single amino acid can be encoded by multiple codons which often differ only at the third nucleotide, the wobble position. For example, the amino acid threonine is coded by ACU, ACC, ACA, and ACG. This redundancy allows for a mutation at the wobble position to still incorporate the correct amino acid, maintaining protein integrity.

While most codons specify amino acids, there are three stop codons that signal the end of protein synthesis. The fact that 61 codons code for amino acids while only 20 amino acids exist illustrates the genetic code's redundancy, also called degeneracy. This protective feature of the genetic code ensures that many single-nucleotide substitutions do not result in a change in the amino acid sequence of proteins. The universal nature of the genetic code underscores its evolutionary significance and its critical role in the function of all living organisms.