The Triplet Code Flashcards

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  • Make sure you understand the information on each card. If something's unclear, click the link to the revision notes at the bottom of the page for more details.

2️⃣ Test yourself:

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  • Check the answer and make a note of any cards you find challenging and need to go over more.

3️⃣ Consistently Review and Practice:

  • Use spaced repetition: spend more time on the cards you struggle with and go over them more often.
  • Regularly review all the flashcards to help you better understand and retain the information over time.

Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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In biology, what does the term "triplet code" mean?

It means that each group of three DNA bases codes for one amino acid in a protein.

What is a codon?

A codon is a triplet, a group of three bases in DNA or mRNA that codes for one amino acid.

How many bases make up one triplet in the genetic code?

One triplet is made of three bases.

Why does the cell use three bases to code for one amino acid?

Using three bases gives many different triplets, enough to code for all 20 different amino acids.

How does the order of triplets in a gene affect a protein?

The order of triplets decides the order of amino acids, which decides the shape and function of the protein.

What is the role of a start codon in the triplet code?

A start codon tells the cell where to begin building a protein from the mRNA strand.

What is the role of a stop codon in the triplet code?

A stop codon tells the cell where to end the protein chain, so the protein has the correct length.

What does it mean when we say the genetic code is "degenerate"?

It means that more than one triplet can code for the same amino acid.

Where in DNA are triplets found?

Triplets are found along the length of a gene, in the sequence of bases in the DNA.

What can happen if one base in a triplet is changed by mutation?

It can change the codon, which may change the amino acid and could change how the protein works.

What does it mean that the triplet code is non-overlapping?

Each base is read only once, in groups of three; the groups do not share bases with each other.