Genetic Code

Genetic Code

• Tiplet Codes - ensure all amino acids are coded for
• Codon - sequence of three bases
• mRNA is formed by a complimentary strand of DNA so it contains a reverse image of the original bases

• The genetic code is non-overlapping and degenerate
• Benefits of non-overlapping - a short length of DNA can code for many proteins
  
• Benefits of a degenerate code - it protects the DNA from mutations completely disrupting their codes for amino acids.

• Point mutations - when a single nucleotide is altered