(a) How many codons code for amino acids and how many do not?
(b) Explain the following giving one example of each
(i) Unambiguous and specific codon
(ii) Degenerate codon
(iii) Universal codon
(iv) Initiator codon.

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Solution

There are total 64 codons that code for a total of 20 amino acids. Out of the 64 codons, 61 code for the amino acids and 3 are termination or non-sense codon.
The unambiguous and specific codon is a property of the genetic code that one codon specifies for one amino acid only.
A codon specifies the same amino acid in all organism from viruses to a human being this is universal.
Initiation codon- the synthesis of the polypeptide chain is initiated by initiation codon it is AUG which is methionine.
Degenerate codons are the ones that code for more than one amino acid.

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