Degeneracy of codon means:
**Core Concept**
Degeneracy of codon refers to the phenomenon where more than one codon can encode the same amino acid during protein synthesis. This is due to the redundancy of the genetic code, where multiple codons can be translated into the same amino acid through different tRNA molecules.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The degeneracy of codon arises from the fact that the genetic code is nearly universal, but not completely so. This redundancy allows for changes in the DNA sequence (mutations) without affecting the encoded amino acid sequence. The genetic code is read in a sequence of codons, each consisting of three nucleotides (triplets). The presence of multiple codons for the same amino acid ensures that the genetic code can tolerate some degree of mutation without disrupting protein synthesis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not accurately describe the concept of degeneracy of codon. Degeneracy refers to the multiple codons that encode the same amino acid, not the number of codons that encode different amino acids.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it implies that degeneracy of codon refers to the number of amino acids that can be encoded by a single codon, which is not the case.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it suggests that degeneracy of codon is a result of errors in protein synthesis, which is not accurate.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The degeneracy of codon is a fundamental concept in molecular biology that has significant implications for our understanding of genetic variation, mutation, and protein synthesis.
**Correct Answer: C. Multiple codons can encode the same amino acid.**