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Why do multiple sequence code for the same amino acid?

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The genetic code is redundant, allowing multiple sequences to code for the same amino acid. Having multiple codons for the same amino acid reduces the negative impact of random mutations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple sequences of nucleotides can code for the same amino acid. One advantage of having multiple codons for the same amino acid is that it reduces the negative impact of random mutations. Since codons that specify the same amino acid typically differ by just one nucleotide, a single-nucleotide substitution mutation might still specify the same amino acid or a similar one, preventing the protein from being completely nonfunctional.

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