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Questions and Answers
What is the genetic code responsible for translating?
What is the genetic code responsible for translating?
How many possible codons are in the genetic code?
How many possible codons are in the genetic code?
What type of codon is AUG?
What type of codon is AUG?
What is a characteristic of the genetic code where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid?
What is a characteristic of the genetic code where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid?
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What type of mutation can result in a different amino acid or termination of protein synthesis?
What type of mutation can result in a different amino acid or termination of protein synthesis?
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What is the central dogma an outline of?
What is the central dogma an outline of?
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What is the result of a frameshift mutation?
What is the result of a frameshift mutation?
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What is the role of the genetic code in protein synthesis?
What is the role of the genetic code in protein synthesis?
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Study Notes
Definition and Function
- The genetic code is the set of rules used by cells to translate information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA) into proteins.
- It's a fundamental process by which cells create proteins, which are essential for nearly all cellular processes.
Structure of the Genetic Code
- The genetic code consists of 64 possible codons, each composed of three nucleotides (A, C, G, and U or T).
- There are 20 amino acids that can be encoded by these codons.
Types of Codons
- Start codon: AUG, which codes for methionine and initiates protein synthesis.
- Stop codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA, which terminate protein synthesis.
- Sense codons: Code for amino acids and are used to build proteins.
Characteristics of the Genetic Code
- Degeneracy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
- Non-overlapping: Each codon is separate and distinct from adjacent codons.
- Universal: The genetic code is nearly universal, meaning it's shared across all life forms.
- Redundancy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, allowing for some errors in the code without affecting protein function.
Mutations and Errors
- Point mutations: A change in a single nucleotide can result in a different amino acid or termination of protein synthesis.
- Frameshift mutations: The insertion or deletion of a nucleotide can alter the reading frame, leading to a completely different protein or termination of protein synthesis.
Importance of the Genetic Code
- Central dogma: The genetic code is a crucial step in the central dogma, which outlines the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins.
- Protein synthesis: The genetic code dictates the assembly of amino acids into proteins, which are essential for cellular functions.
Genetic Code
- The genetic code is a set of rules used by cells to translate genetic material (DNA or RNA) into proteins, a fundamental process for nearly all cellular processes.
Structure of the Genetic Code
- The genetic code consists of 64 possible codons, each composed of three nucleotides (A, C, G, and U or T).
- These codons encode 20 amino acids.
Types of Codons
- Start codon: AUG, codes for methionine and initiates protein synthesis.
- Stop codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA, terminate protein synthesis.
- Sense codons: Code for amino acids and are used to build proteins.
Characteristics of the Genetic Code
- Degeneracy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
- Non-overlapping: Each codon is separate and distinct from adjacent codons.
- Universal: The genetic code is nearly universal, shared across all life forms.
- Redundancy: Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, allowing for some errors in the code without affecting protein function.
Mutations and Errors
- Point mutations: A change in a single nucleotide can result in a different amino acid or termination of protein synthesis.
- Frameshift mutations: The insertion or deletion of a nucleotide can alter the reading frame, leading to a completely different protein or termination of protein synthesis.
Importance of the Genetic Code
- Central dogma: The genetic code is a crucial step in the central dogma, outlining the flow of genetic information from DNA to proteins.
- Protein synthesis: The genetic code dictates the assembly of amino acids into proteins, essential for cellular functions.
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Description
Learn about the genetic code, its structure, and how it translates DNA or RNA into proteins. Understand the composition of codons and amino acids.