In principle, what would be the minimum number of consecutive nucleotides necessary to correspond to a single amino acid to produce a workable genetic code (it can specifically code for all 20 amino acids)? Assume that each amino acid is encoded by

the same number of nucleotides. Explain your reasoning.


Because there are 20 amino acids used in proteins, each amino acid would have to be encoded by a minimum of three nucleotides. For example, a code of two consecutive nucleotides could specify a maximum of 16 (42) different amino acids, excluding stop and start signals. A code of three consecutive nucleotides has 64 (43) different members and thus can easily accommodate the 20 amino acids plus a signal to stop protein synthesis.

Biology & Microbiology

You might also like to view...

True or False: Traits favored by sexual selection are the same traits favored by natural selection

A. true B. false

Biology & Microbiology

Certain antimicrobials may be life-threatening

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Biology & Microbiology

Among couples using a method of birth control consistently and correctly, the most important determinant of pregnancy risk is ______.

[A] their marital status [B] their ethnic or racial group [C] their income group [D] their frequency of sex

Biology & Microbiology

Which of the following is NOT a category of

fruit? a. complex b. simple c. aggregate d. multiple e. dry

Biology & Microbiology