Question

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

Answer 1

Codons that will be altered:

1. A protein is coded for by 999 bases in RNA for every 333 amino acids.
2. If the base at 901 places is removed, the first 900 bases will be normal, but bases following the 901st base will be modified, implying that 99 bases will be altered.
3. Because 3 bases equal 1 codon, the cancellation of one base at 901 locations will modify 99 bases = 33 codons.

Final answer: 33 codons will be altered.