In humans, the genetic code is represented by code of three nucleotides. If one amino acid is coded 1), more than one triplet, then this is known as
First, I need to recall the core concept. The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in DNA is translated into proteins. Each triplet of nucleotides (codon) corresponds to a specific amino acid. The core concept here is the degeneracy of the genetic code, which means that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This is important because it reduces the impact of mutations.
Next, why is the correct answer right? The genetic code's degeneracy occurs because the third nucleotide in a codon often varies without changing the amino acid. For example, leucine is coded by six different codons. This redundancy is due to the wobble hypothesis, where the first base of the tRNA anticodon can pair with the third base of the mRNA codon in a more flexible manner.
Now, the incorrect options. If the options included things like "universality," that's incorrect because universality refers to the genetic code being the same in all organisms. "Redundancy" might be a distractor, but the correct term is degeneracy. "Ambiguity" is wrong because the code is not ambiguous; each codon specifies only one amino acid.
Clinical pearl: Remember that degeneracy is a key feature of the genetic code, allowing for some mutations to be silent. This is important in understanding genetic disorders and the role of mutations in disease.
Putting it all together, the correct answer is degeneracy. The explanation should highlight the redundancy in codons, the wobble hypothesis, and the implications for mutation effects.
**Core Concept**
The **genetic code** is a set of rules mapping codons (triplets of nucleotides) to amino acids. **Degeneracy** refers to the redundancy in this code, where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid, primarily due to the "wobble" flexibility in the third nucleotide position of codons.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The genetic code is **degenerate**, meaning most amino acids (except methionine and tryptophan) are encoded by 2–6 different codons. For example, leucine is coded by six codons (CUA, CUG, CUC, CUA, CCA, CCG). This redundancy arises because the third base of a codon often pairs less specifically with the first base of the tRNA anticodon (the **wobble hypothesis**), allowing a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons. Degeneracy reduces the impact of point mutations, as a change in the third nucleotide may not alter the amino acid.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** *Universality* describes the near-identical genetic code across all organisms, not codon redundancy.
**Option B:** *Redundancy* is a layman’s term; the correct technical term is **degeneracy**.
**Option C:** *Ambiguity* would imply one codon codes for multiple amino acids, which does not occur in the standard genetic code.