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Questions and Answers
What is the genetic code responsible for translating?
How many possible codons are in the genetic code?
What type of codon is AUG?
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?
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What is the central dogma an outline of?
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What is the result of a frameshift mutation?
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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.
