Identify the amino acid for which the codon GAG codes, and what other codon could encode for this same amino acid?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the amino acid that the codon GAG codes for by consulting a codon table.
2. Look up the codon GAG in the codon table to find the corresponding amino acid.
3. Determine the amino acid that GAG codes for, which is glutamic acid (Glu).
4. Find other codons that code for the same amino acid, glutamic acid, by checking the codon table.
5. Identify that the codon GAA also codes for glutamic acid, making it an alternative codon for the same amino acid.

Key Concepts

Codons and Amino Acids

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon is part of the genetic code, which translates the information in DNA into proteins. Understanding the relationship between codons and their corresponding amino acids is essential for interpreting genetic information.

Genetic Code

The genetic code is a set of rules that defines how sequences of nucleotides in DNA and RNA are translated into proteins. It is universal among most organisms and consists of 64 codons that specify 20 amino acids, including redundancy where multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This redundancy is crucial for understanding mutations and variations in genetic sequences.

Amino Acid Properties

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, each with unique properties that influence protein structure and function. The amino acid encoded by the codon GAG is glutamic acid, which is important for various biological functions, including protein synthesis and metabolism. Recognizing the significance of different amino acids helps in understanding their roles in biological processes.