Features of the genetic code

• The genetic code is non-overlapping meaning that each triplet is only read once and triplets don’t share any bases
• Genetic code is also degenerate meaning that more than one triplet codes for the same amino acids, this reduces the phenotypic effect of mutations (which are mistakes in the base sequence such as base deletion, insertion or substitution)
• A change in the base sequence of DNA may alter the amino acid sequence and the protein therefore it can have various effects
• Some mutations are harmful
• The genetic code contains start and stop codons which either start or stop protein synthesis