Question

What would be the most likely outcome if the genetic code was not degenerate? Multiple Choice

O The mutation rate would remain the same.
O The number of stop codons would increase.
O The effect of some mutations would decrease
O The effect of some mutations would increase

Answer 1

the effect of some mutations would increase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The degeneracy of the genetic code refers to the redundancy in the coding of amino acids. Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, allowing for some variation in the DNA sequence without changing the resulting protein. If the genetic code was not degenerate, meaning each codon coded for a unique amino acid, any mutation that changes a single nucleotide in the codon would likely result in a different amino acid being incorporated into the protein during translation. This would increase the likelihood of a mutation leading to a significant change in the protein structure and function, potentially having a greater effect on the organism.