Question

How many amino acids can be coded by a doublet codon system?

Options

• 16 amino acids

• 4 amino acids

• 64 amino acids

• 20 amino acids

Answer 1

In a doublet codon system, two consecutive bases would form one codon. With 4 possible bases, this would give \[4^2 = 16\] possible combinations. Since there are approximately 20 amino acids to code for, a doublet system would be insufficient, necessitating the triplet code.