Question

The human genetic code is triplet in nature with 64 codons made using four nucleotides. If the human genetic code was doublet in nature, the number of codons theoretically possible from four nucleotides is ____. (Answer in integer)

Hint:

Understanding variations in codon length and their implications can provide insights into fundamental genetic operations and hypothetical evolutionary scenarios.

Answer 1

In the current triplet system, each codon consists of three nucleotides, and each nucleotide can be one of four types (adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine). The number of possible codons in a triplet system is calculated as: [ 4^3 = 4 times 4 times 4 = 64 ] where each exponentiation base (4) represents the four possible nucleotides, and the exponent (3) represents the number of nucleotide positions per codon. 
Doublet System Calculation: If the genetic code were to use doublets instead of triplets, the calculation would involve two nucleotide positions per codon, which gives: [ 4^2 = 4 times 4 = 16 ] Thus, with four nucleotides and two positions, 16 unique codons could theoretically be formed. Conclusion:
Explanation: Reducing the length of codons from three nucleotides to two decreases the complexity and variety of the genetic code, leading to fewer possible codons. This simplification highlights the versatile nature of the triplet codon system in encoding a diverse set of amino acids and functionality in proteins.