Question

If there are 999 bases in an RNA that code for a protein with 333 amino acids, and the base at position 901 is deleted such that the length of the RNA becomes 998 bases, how many codons will be altered?

• A. 1
• B. 11
• C. 33
• D. 333

Answer 1

The correct option is C

33

The correct option is C

Explanation of the correct option:

1. We are aware that one codon is made up of three bases, each of which typically corresponds to one amino acid.
2. At the 901st position in the base, a deletion is taking place.
3. Thereafter, only the final 99 bases will change, and the first 900 bases won't be altered at all.
4. 999 bases in RNA code for a protein, which has 333 amino acids. In the unlikely event that the base at position 901 is removed, the first 900 bases will continue to function normally while the bases after that point—99 bases—will be modified.
5. In this fashion, 99 bases = 33 codons will change as a result of the cancellation of one base at 901 (3 bases = 1 codon).

Final answer: 33 codons will be altered.