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nmdcat.online June 27, 2026

The degeneracy of the genetic code is a direct consequence of the fact that

A. Each nucleotide codes for multiple different amino acids
B. A single amino acid can be specified by more than one codon
C. The code is read in a non-overlapping manner along the mRNA
D. All organisms on Earth share the identical genetic code

📝 Explanation

Except for methionine and tryptophan, all 18 other amino acids are encoded by 2 to 6 synonymous codons. This property is called degeneracy and provides a buffer against the harmful effects of point mutations.

📖 Additional Information

  • Each nucleotide codes for multiple different amino acids
  • A single amino acid can be specified by more than one codon
  • The code is read in a non-overlapping manner along the mRNA
  • All organisms on Earth share the identical genetic code

Except for methionine and tryptophan, all 18 other amino acids are encoded by 2 to 6 synonymous codons. This property is called degeneracy and provides a buffer against the harmful effects of point mutations.

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