Question

Most of the 20 amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. We might expect that codon usage would be random, and that each codon in a suite of synonymous codons would be present in equal numbers. However, this is not true. What name is given to the above phenomenon?

Group of answer choices

-Hitchiking

-Background selection

-Positive selection

-Codon bias

Answer 1

The phenomenon where certain codons are used more frequently than others for encoding the same amino acid is known as codon bias.

Step-by-step explanation:

The phenomenon where codons are not used randomly and equally, but some codons are used more frequently than others, for a given amino acid is known as codon bias. This non-random usage of synonymous codons, or codon bias, influences gene expression and can affect protein folding and function, and is a product of natural selection.

The genetic code is described as being redundant or degenerate, meaning most amino acids are encoded by more than one codon. This redundancy is beneficial as it reduces the negative impact of mutations. For example, threonine can be encoded by codons ACU, ACC, ACA, and ACG.

Differences in codon usage can reflect evolutionary changes and adaptations, and this property is harnessed in biotechnological applications to optimize the expression of recombinant proteins.