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Multiple Choice
Which of the following are implications of the universality of the genetic code?
A
It allows for the transfer of genes between different species.
B
It restricts genetic engineering to closely related species.
C
It means that all organisms have identical DNA sequences.
D
It results in different amino acids being coded by the same codon in different organisms.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of the genetic code: The genetic code is a set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. It is nearly universal, meaning that the same codon specifies the same amino acid in almost all organisms.
Consider the implication of universality: Since the genetic code is nearly universal, it implies that the same codons will code for the same amino acids across different species. This allows for the transfer of genes between different species, as the inserted gene will be expressed in the same way in the host organism.
Evaluate the statement about gene transfer: The universality of the genetic code allows for genetic engineering across different species, not just closely related ones. This is because the genetic code is interpreted in the same way by different organisms.
Analyze the statement about identical DNA sequences: The universality of the genetic code does not mean that all organisms have identical DNA sequences. Instead, it means that the way DNA is translated into proteins is consistent across species.
Consider the statement about codons and amino acids: The universality of the genetic code means that the same codon will code for the same amino acid in different organisms, not different amino acids. Therefore, the statement that different amino acids are coded by the same codon in different organisms is incorrect.