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Features of the Genetic Code

The genetic code is information encoded within DNA used by living cells to make proteins.The genetic code is similar in all organisms.The genetic code is:1. a triplet code2. degenerate3. universal4. non-overlapping5. The mRNA codon AUG (ATG in DNA) codes for methionine and is the start codon6. There are three stop codons in mRNA: UAA, UAG and UGA.

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Specification: AQA Biology (7401), AS-level, 3.4.1 DNA, genes and chromosomes. Topic: DNA, Genes and Protein Synthesis.

Key terms in this lesson

genetic code
The set of rules by which the sequence of bases in DNA is translated into the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
triplet code
A code in which a sequence of three DNA bases (a triplet) codes for one amino acid.
degenerate
A property of the genetic code in which most amino acids are coded for by more than one triplet or codon.
codon
A sequence of three bases on mRNA that codes for a specific amino acid or a stop signal.

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