Several lines of experimental evidence pointed to a triplet genetic code. Identify three pieces of information that supported the triplet hypothesis of genetic code structure.

Key Concepts

Triplet Code

The triplet code refers to the genetic coding system in which sequences of three nucleotides (codons) correspond to specific amino acids. This concept is fundamental in understanding how genetic information is translated into proteins, as each triplet specifies one of the 20 amino acids used in protein synthesis.

Experimental Evidence

Experimental evidence supporting the triplet hypothesis includes findings from studies such as those by Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich Matthaei, who demonstrated that synthetic RNA sequences could direct the incorporation of specific amino acids into proteins. This provided direct proof that codons, composed of three nucleotides, dictate the sequence of amino acids in proteins.

Mutational Analysis

Mutational analysis involves studying the effects of mutations on the genetic code. Experiments showed that changes in a single nucleotide could lead to significant changes in the resulting protein, while changes in groups of three nucleotides often resulted in more predictable alterations. This reinforced the idea that the genetic code is read in triplets, as shifts in reading frames could drastically alter protein function.