Question

Write the important features of genetic code.

Answer 1

1. A codon is a triplet of nucleotides (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine or uracil).
   
2. There are 64 possible combinations of three-nucleotide sequences.
   
3. 61 of these code for 20 different amino acids.
   
4. Three codons do not code for any amino acids. They function as stop codons to end protein synthesis. These are UAG, UGA, and UAA.
   
5. Each codon codes for only one amino acid, hence, it is unambiguous and specific.
   
6. Some amino acids are coded for by more than one codon, hence the genetic code is degenerate. Most of this degeneracy involves the third nucleotide of a codon.