Question

Degeneracy of genetic code means that:

• A. Genetic code is not universal
• B. An amino acid may be coded by more than one codon
• C. Each codon may code for more than one amino acid
• D. Each organism has different genetic code

Hint:

Genetic code properties:
Degeneracy: multiple codons for same amino acid.
Universality: same code in most organisms.
Specificity: one codon = one amino acid.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The genetic code has specific properties.
Degeneracy is one of these properties.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
No specific formula.
Need to understand the properties of the genetic code.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Degeneracy of the genetic code means:
- An amino acid may be coded by more than one codon.
This is also called redundancy.
Example: Leucine is coded by 6 codons.
The code is universal (A is incorrect).
Each codon codes for only one amino acid (C is incorrect).
The code is nearly universal (D is incorrect).
Thus, degeneracy means an amino acid may be coded by more than one codon.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Degeneracy means an amino acid may be coded by more than one codon.
Hence, the correct option is (B).