Question

Differentiate between unambiguous and degenerate codons.

Answer 1

Feature	Unambiguous Codon	Degenerate Codon
Definition	One specific codon codes for only one specific amino acid.	One amino acid can be coded by more than one codon.
Meaning	There is no “confusion” or overlap. (Example: AUG only ever codes for Methionine).	There is “redundancy.” (Example: GGU, GGC, GGA, and GGG all code for Glycine).
Specificity	Codon-specific. It ensures the exact same protein is made every time.	Amino acid-specific. It allows for some “errors” without changing the protein.
Total Number	Most codons are unambiguous in their function.	There are 61 codons for only 20 amino acids, creating degeneracy.