Question

A hypothetical mRNA, AUG CGC CUA AAG AGG codes for five amino acids. What will happen if you delete the first C?
Will five amino acids still be coded for?
Give reasons.

Answer 1

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins. The genes that encode proteins are composed of tri-nucleotide units better known as codons.

Complete answer: The genetic code essentially explains the structure of the nitrogenous bases in the RNA unit. It largely consists of the information needed for the synthesis of protein molecules.
One of the most prominent features of the genetic codon is that single amino acid is specified by the sequence of three nucleotides and mRNA. It is also specifically structured in a way where there is no pause and the genetic codon is read comma less.
In case there is a deletion of any particular genetic codon, then that leads to a change in the entire sequence.

So, according to the question if the first C is deleted then the resulting sequence would be- AUG GCC UAA AGA GG. Now in this sequence, since the first triplet codon is intact, the protein will be synthesized normally. The further sequencing is changed now so the amino acids synthesized would change accordingly. In the last codon, there are only two bases i.e. G and G, and it is therefore incomplete.

As a result, no amino acid will be synthesized by this incomplete codon.

Note: The genetic code is widely shared by a diverse range of organisms and it is extremely significant for the fact that it proves the common origin of modern-day organisms on Earth. It was decoded by the scientist Marshall W. Nirenberg in the 1960s.