The Genetic Code and Nucleic Acids

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Created by
Aaron Nguyen

Cards (4)

  • The genetic code is the sequence of base triplets (codons) in mRNA which code for specific amino acids
  • In the genetic code, each base triplet is read in sequence, separate from the triplet before it and after it.
    Base triplets don't share their bases - the code is non-overlapping.
  • The genetic code is also degenerate - there are more possible combinations of triplets than there are amino acids (20 amino acids but 64 possible triplets).
    This means that some amino acids are coded for by more than one base triplet, e.g tyrosine can be coded for by UAU or UAC.
  • The genetic code is universal - the same specific base triplets code for the same amino acids in all living things. E.g UAU codes for tyrosine in all organisms.