All the following are salient features of genetic code, EXCEPT
**Core Concept**
The genetic code is a set of rules used by living cells to translate information encoded within genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) into proteins. It is a fundamental concept in molecular biology, and understanding its features is crucial for grasping how genetic information is translated into functional products.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The genetic code is a degenerate code, meaning that more than one codon can encode the same amino acid. This is due to the fact that the genetic code is read in a non-overlapping, triplet fashion, with each codon specifying one amino acid. The code is also nearly universal, with only a few minor variations found in some organisms. Additionally, the genetic code is unambiguous, meaning that each codon specifies only one amino acid, and it is redundant, with multiple codons encoding the same amino acid.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the genetic code is not context-free, meaning that the sequence of codons and the reading frame can affect the translation of genetic information.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the genetic code is not context-sensitive, meaning that the sequence of codons and the reading frame do not affect the translation of genetic information in the same way that context-sensitive grammars do.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because the genetic code is not a free grammar, meaning that it is not a set of rules that can be freely combined to generate any possible sequence of amino acids.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The genetic code is a complex system that is essential for the translation of genetic information into functional proteins. Understanding its features is crucial for grasping how genetic information is translated into functional products, and it has important implications for fields such as molecular biology, genetics, and medicine.
**Correct Answer: D.**