Final answer:
The degeneracy of the genetic code means that multiple codons encode the same amino acid, reducing the negative impact of mutations and providing a buffer against genetic errors in proteins that play roles in natural selection and evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degeneracy of the genetic code refers to the phenomenon where multiple codons (nucleotide triplets) encode for the same amino acid. This feature of the genetic code plays a crucial role in reducing the detrimental impact of random mutations on proteins. For instance, if a mutation occurs in the third nucleotide of a codon, often referred to as the 'wobble position', the same amino acid may still be incorporated into the protein, thus preserving its function.
Furthermore, amino acids with similar properties may be encoded by similar codons, which means that even if a mutation leads to a change in the encoded amino acid, it may still result in a functionally similar protein. This inherent redundancy provides a buffer against genetic errors, ensuring that a single nucleotide change does not always have catastrophic consequences for an organism, thus playing a pivotal role in natural selection and evolution.