Genetic Code Universal

The genetic code is redundant, or degenerate, because

• Any one error destroys the code

• Each amino acid is coded for by multiple codons

• Just look at the people around you....

• DNA is unstable and often changes order

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

The genetic code is considered universal; what does this mean?

• An amino acid can be specified by more than one codon.

• Each codon codes for the same amino acid in nearly all organisms.

• Each codon corresponds to a unique amino acid.

• The sequence of bases in all organisms is the same.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

A student reads the following sequence of mRNA bases: UACGAGAACCGA. They divide it up into the following codons: UACG AGAA CCGA. What is wrong with this sequence of codons?

• The codons overlap.

• Codons should be 3 bases long.

• Codons should be read as DNA bases.

• There is nothing wrong; this sequence is correct.

The amino acid alanine can be coded for by the codons GCU, GCC, GCA, or GCG. What feature of the genetic code is this an example of?

• It is specific for each organism.

• It is universal.

• It contains no repeated codons.

• It is degenerate.

• It is nonoverlapping.

A student reads the following sequence of mRNA bases: UACGAGAACCG. They divide it up into the following codons: UAC CGA AGA AAC CCG. What is wrong with this sequence of codons?

• Codons should be read as DNA bases.

• The codons overlap.

• Codons should be 4 bases long.

• There is nothing wrong; the sequence is correct.

A sequence of DNA is transcribed into an RNA sequence. This RNA sequence reads 5′3′-UACGAGAACCGA-.Use the codon wheel provided to determine the sequence of amino acids.

• Tyr, Asp, Gln, Pro

• His, Glu, Thr, Arg

• Stop, Asp, Lys, Pro

• Tyr, Glu, Asn, Arg

• Ser, Gly, Gln, Ser

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-1

What is the monomer of a protein (many of these subunits make up a protein)?

• amino acid
• monosaccharide
• fatty acid
• nucleic acid

Where are proteins built?

• Nucleus

• Ribosomes

• Golgi

• Chloroplasts

What is a codon

• The back bone of a DNA molecule

• A section of RNA that codes for a protein

• A type of nucleic acid

• The study of life

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS1-6

A section of DNA containing 3 base pairs codes for an amino acid. How many codes exist with a 3 base coding system with 4 different nucleic acids

• 64

• 48

• 16

• 24