Final answer:
The genetic code is commaless and defines how codons dictate protein synthesis. It is continuous and nonoverlapping with specific start and stop codons that regulate the process. A mutation in a stop codon can lead to a malfunction in the protein synthesis process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or mRNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. It defines how sequences of nucleotide triplets, called codons, specify which amino acid will be added next during protein synthesis. The code is indeed commaless, meaning it is continuous and does not contain punctuations such as commas or extra nucleotides to dictate the separation of codons.
Stop codons do not code for any amino acid, but rather signal the end of protein synthesis. There are three stop codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA. The codon AUG, on the other hand, serves a dual purpose: it codes for the amino acid methionine and also acts as the start codon which sets the reading frame for translation. The reading frame is crucial for maintaining the correct grouping of codons so that they are read appropriately and accurately by the translation machinery.
The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by the continuous, nonoverlapping sequence of codons in mRNA, where each set of three nucleotides is read in order without sharing with other codons. If a stop codon were mutated to code for an amino acid, it would result in the continuation of the protein synthesis beyond its normal stop point, which can significantly affect protein function and possibly lead to disease.
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