Genetic Code - Characteristics of the Genetic Code

Estimated time: 3 minutes

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Characteristics of the Genetic Code

Genetic code is a triplet code, that is, three consecutive bases form one codon and specify one amino acid.
It has distinct polarity and is always read in the 5’ → 3’ direction.
The genetic code is non-overlapping, so one base is a part of only one codon.
It is commaless, which means there is no gap or punctuation between successive codons.
The genetic code is degenerate, so one amino acid may be coded by more than one codon.
It is universal or nearly universal because the same codon usually specifies the same amino acid in most organisms.
It is non-ambiguous, so one codon codes for only one specific amino acid.
AUG is the initiation codon and also codes for methionine.
UAA, UAG and UGA are stop codons and do not code for any amino acid.
Codon is written as 5’ AUG 3’, while anticodon is written as 3’ UAC 5’.