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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the genetic code is true?
A
The genetic code is universal across all organisms.
B
The genetic code is composed of 64 codons, each coding for a unique amino acid.
C
The genetic code is ambiguous, with each codon coding for multiple amino acids.
D
The genetic code is redundant, meaning multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
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.
Recognize the structure of the genetic code: It consists of codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
Clarify the term 'redundant': In the context of the genetic code, redundancy means that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This is also known as degeneracy of the genetic code.
Identify the number of codons: There are 64 possible codons (4^3 combinations of the four nucleotides: adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil/thymine). However, there are only 20 amino acids, which leads to redundancy.
Evaluate the statements: The genetic code is not ambiguous (each codon codes for one amino acid or stop signal), and it is nearly universal across organisms, but the key feature relevant to the question is its redundancy.