(i). Write the specific features of the genetic code AUG.

Question

Answer the following questions: 

(i). Write the specific features of the genetic code AUG.

(ii). Genetic codes can be universal and degenerate. Write about them, giving one example of each.

(iii). Explain aminoacylation of the tRNA.

Answer 1

(i) AUG is the starting codon and codes for methionine.

(ii) The genetic code is universal, i.e., a particular codon codes for the same amino acid in all organisms. For example, UUU codes for phenylalanine in all organisms. 

Some amino acids are coded by more than one codon, hence the code is degenerate. For example, UUU and UUC both code for phenylalanine.

(iii) Amino acids become activated by binding with aminoacyl tRNA synthetase enzyme in the presence of ATP.

These activated amino acids are then linked to their cognate tRNA to form aminoacylated tRNA.