Question

Give the characteristics of genetic code.

Hint:

AUG has dual functions: it codes for Methionine and acts as an initiator codon.

Answer 1

1. Triplet nature: Each codon is made of three nitrogenous bases. There are 64 codons in total.
2. Universal: The code is nearly universal; for example, from bacteria to humans, UUU codes for Phenylalanine.
3. Degenerate: Some amino acids are coded by more than one codon.
4. Non-overlapping and Commaless: The code is read in mRNA in a contiguous fashion without any punctuation.
5. Initiation and Termination: AUG acts as the initiator codon. UAA, UAG, and UGA are stop (nonsense) codons.