Degeneracy

Definition

Degeneracy in the genetic code refers to the redundancy of the genetic code, where multiple codons encode for the same amino acid. This feature helps protect against mutations by minimizing their impact on protein function.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The genetic code has 64 codons but only 20 amino acids, leading to degeneracy.
2. Degeneracy provides a buffer against point mutations, as changes in the third base of a codon often do not alter the encoded amino acid.
3. Wobble pairing is a phenomenon that allows tRNA molecules to recognize multiple codons due to degeneracy.
4. Synonymous mutations are changes in DNA that do not alter the amino acid sequence of a protein because of degeneracy.
5. Degeneracy is mainly observed at the third nucleotide position of codons.

Review Questions

• What role does degeneracy play in reducing the impact of point mutations?
• How many amino acids are encoded by the 64 possible codons?
• What is wobble pairing and how is it related to degeneracy?

Related terms

Codon:

A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code.

Mutation:

A change in DNA sequence that can affect genetic information.

Wobble Hypothesis: The theory explaining how tRNA can recognize multiple codons for the same amino acid through flexible base-pairing at the third nucleotide position.