The genetic code is essentially the same for all organisms. Based on this information, one can logically assume which of the following statements to be correct?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Since the genetic code is essentially the same for all organisms, a gene from one organism (for example, a human gene) can be theoretically expressed by any other organism (such as bacteria or yeast) using the same genetic code.

Answer: D
 The same codons (nucleotide triplets) in different organisms will translate into the same amino acids. This is why a gene from one organism can theoretically be expressed by any other organism.

Option B and C are incorrect because there is no evidence to suggest that all organisms have experienced convergent evolution or that DNA was the first genetic material, respectively. Option E is incorrect because all organisms use the same set of 20 amino acids to build proteins, although the number of each type of amino acid can vary from organism to organism.

The Genetic Code Is Essentially the Same for All Organisms