Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Codons and Amino Acids
Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during protein synthesis. In the genetic code, there are 64 possible codons (4 nucleotides raised to the power of 3), which allows for redundancy, meaning multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy can help mitigate the effects of mutations, as not all changes in the DNA sequence will necessarily alter the resulting protein.
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Redundancy in the Genetic Code
The genetic code's redundancy refers to the phenomenon where multiple codons can specify the same amino acid. This feature provides a buffer against mutations, as changes in the DNA sequence may not always lead to changes in the protein produced. For example, if a mutation occurs in a codon that codes for an amino acid, the presence of alternative codons for that same amino acid can help maintain the integrity of protein function.
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Evolutionary Advantage of a Larger Code
Having a genetic code with 64 codons instead of just 21 allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in protein synthesis. This expanded code can facilitate the evolution of new proteins with novel functions, as it provides a larger pool of codons to encode variations. Additionally, it can enhance the efficiency of translation and the regulation of gene expression, contributing to the organism's ability to respond to environmental changes.
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