Final answer:
In Candida albicans, the codon CUG uniquely encodes the amino acid serine, unlike the standard genetic code which typically assigns leucine to this codon.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Candida albicans, a common opportunistic fungal pathogen, the genetic codon CUG encodes for the amino acid serine, which differs from the standard genetic code where CUG encodes for leucine. Candida albicans is known for its role as the causative agent of infections such as oral thrush and vaginal yeast infections. The unique CUG codon usage is an example of how genetic codon reassignment can occur in certain organisms, leading to variations in the genetic code that are not universally conserved across all living things.
This distinctive feature allows Candida albicans to produce proteins with differing sequences compared to what might be predicted by the standard genetic code, thus potentially influencing its ability to adhere to and invade host cells, form biofilms, and protect itself from the host immune system. Such a molecular adaptation may play a role in the pathogenicity and survival of Candida species within their hosts.