Question:

When an amino acid is coded by more than one codon, the genetic code is said to be :

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More than one codon for one amino acid means the code is degenerate.
Updated On: Oct 23, 2026
  • Universal
  • Punctuated
  • Commaless
  • Degenerate
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Read the stem:
Several codons stand for the same amino acid. For example, UUU and UUC both code for phenylalanine.

Step 2: Name the property:
This property is called degeneracy (or redundancy) of the genetic code. Of 64 codons, 61 code for 20 amino acids.

Step 3: Check the other options:
Universal means the same code in nearly all organisms. So (A) is wrong.
Punctuated is not a property of the code; the code has no punctuation between codons. So (B) is wrong.
Commaless is not a property of the code either, though it has no gaps between codons. So (C) is wrong.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (D) Degenerate.
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