Question

Digital coding shows that a simple code can transmit complex information. How do you think that idea might relate to genetic information?

Answer 1

The genetic code only consists of 4 letters of A T C and G. That means it is a VERY simple language. Combinations of three of these letters (codons) are translated into functional information in the form of amino acids. Each three letters = one amino acid.

Although the code seems simple, the information that can be derived from it is highly complex, making an entire organisms.

Take for example a simple 4 letter sequence of letters. ACTG, AGTC, AATG, etc. There are 256 potential combinations, just in a sequence of 4. Imagine in humans where there are THREE BILLION letters! The possible combinations are essentially endless.