The genetic code in our world is a triplet code using combin

The genetic code in our world is a triplet code using combinations of four letters (A,U,G,C). All code words (codons) are the same size, three bases long. Proteins in our world are build using combinations of 20 different subunits (amino acids). In class, we argied tjat imder the conditions in our world (only four differebt letters in mRNA to code for 20 different amino acids in proteins) a triplet code is the smallest possible code that could be sued. A) list the other properties of our genetic code. C) what do we mean by the term degenerate code? Cam a doutblet code also be a degenerate code? (If yes, under what circumstances? If no, why not?) D) Does degeneracy in its genetic code represent 1) an advantage; 2) a disadvantage or 3) both and advantage and a disadvantage or 4) neither an advantage nor a disadvantage to an organism?

Solution

okay let me explain

five properties

The code is non-overlapping

The code is degenerate

The code is comaless

code is universal

code has polarity

what do we mean by the term degenerate code?

Degenerate means that many codons can code for a single amino acid eg histidine phenylalanine, glutamine, asparagine, lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid ,tryosine,are coded by two codons each argenine, Leucine, serine are coded by 6 codons each.

Can a doutblet code also be a degenerate code?(If yes, under what circumstances? If no, why not?

No doublet codon will give 4*4 = 16 combinations which wont be enough for 20 amino acids leaving no room for degeneracy, it could be degenerate only in condition when there are less than 16 basic amino acids in protien ; Where as triplet code will give 4*4*4= 64 combinations for 20 amino acids and hence many codons will be degenrate

Does degeneracy in its genetic code represent 1) an advantage; 2) a disadvantage or 3) both and advantage and a disadvantage or 4) neither an advantage nor a disadvantage to an organism?

Degeneracy representsan advantage to a organism as even though if mutations happen in DNA it could still code for same amino acid and hence there would be no change in functional protien sequence, hence degenracy gives protection towards problematic mutations in DNA to some extent.This phenomenon is best characterised by wooble hypothesis ...

hOPE IT ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS SHOULD U NEED FURTHER CLARIFICATIONS KINDLY DO COMMENT I WOULD BE GLAD TO REPLY ....REGARDS