Question

Discuss how degeneracy of the genetic code makes cells more robust to mutations.

a) The genetic code's redundancy prevents mutations from affecting protein synthesis.
b) Degeneracy allows multiple codons to encode for the same amino acid, reducing the impact of mutations.
c) Degeneracy increases the likelihood of mutations but enhances protein stability.
d) Degeneracy amplifies the effect of mutations, leading to diverse protein functions.

Answer 1

The genetic code is degenerate, which means multiple codons can encode the same amino acid, providing a buffer against mutations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The degeneracy of the genetic code is a feature that enhances the robustness of cells to mutations. This degeneracy means that multiple codons can encode for the same amino acid. Because of this redundancy, a mutation in a single nucleotide of a codon often results in either the same amino acid being incorporated into a protein or a chemically similar amino acid taking its place. This ability to withstand genetic changes without detrimental effects on protein function is an advantage in terms of natural selection and evolution. It can prevent the protein from being rendered nonfunctional in many cases, thus reducing the negative impact of random mutations on the cell.