The Genetic Code and the Triplet Code Flashcards

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What is meant by the genetic code in DNA?

It is the order of bases in DNA that gives instructions to make proteins.

Which four bases form the ‘letters’ of the genetic code in DNA?

The four bases are adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C) and guanine (G).

What is a base triplet (triplet code) in DNA?

It is a group of three DNA bases next to each other that codes for one amino acid.

How many DNA bases are in one triplet?

One triplet is made of three DNA bases.

What does each base triplet in a gene code for?

Each base triplet codes for one specific amino acid.

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

The order of triplets decides the order of amino acids, so it decides which protein is made.

How many different base triplets are possible using four bases in groups of three?

There are 64 possible triplets, because 4 × 4 × 4 = 64.

Why are there more possible triplets than amino acids?

Because several different triplets can code for the same amino acid.

What is meant by a ‘start’ or ‘stop’ triplet in the genetic code?

It is a triplet that tells the cell where to start or stop making a protein.

Why do we say the genetic code is universal?

Because the same triplets usually code for the same amino acids in almost all living things.