5. The genetic code and nucleic acid

Cards (4)

  • Genetic code:
    • sequence of base triplet (codons) in mRNA which code for specific amino acids.
    • Read in sequence (separate from triplets either side)
  • Non-overlapping:
    • Eaxh triplet is read in sequence, separate from triplet before it and after it
    • Base triplets don’t share their bases
  • Degenerate:
    • There are more possible combinations of triplets than there are amino acids (20 amino acids vs 64 possible triplets)
    • some amino acids are coded by more than one triplet
    • Code for stop signal e.g. UAG and start signals
  • Universal:
    • Same base triplets code for same amino acids in all living things