Question

Amino acid Leucine is coded by 6 triplet codons: UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA and CUG.
Which of the following is most relevant for the statement given?

• A. Codes are non-overlapping
• B. Degeneracy of code
• C. Codes are commaless
• D. Three adjacent nitrogen bases specifies one amino acid

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The genetic code is degenerate mainly at the third codon position. However, the reason for the degeneracy still remains unknown. The genetic code is degenerate because there are many instances in which different codons specify the same amino acid. Genetic codes in which some amino acids may be coded by more than one codon represent degeneracy of codon.