Imagine that a mutation in a DNA molecule results in the codon CCU being changed to CCC. Both of these codons code for proline. What characteristic accounts for the fact that more than one codon can code for the same amino acid?
A) the ambiguity of the genetic code
B) the redundancy of the genetic code
C) the universality of the genetic code
D) mutations in the genetic code

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The redundancy of the genetic code allows for more than one codon to code for the same amino acid. In this example, both CCU and CCC code for proline. This redundancy is due to the fact that the genetic code is composed of 64 codons (4 nucleotides in groups of 3), which allows for more than one codon to code for each of the 20 amino acids. This redundancy provides a level of protection against mutations in the DNA, as some mutations can result in a change in the DNA sequence without changing the amino acid sequence of the resulting protein.

Imagine That a Mutation in a DNA Molecule Results in the Codon