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The Triplet Code

  • Each amino acid is encoded by a sequence of three nucleotides in the mRNA, known as a codon. Multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, which is a key feature of the genetic code.
  • Wobble base pairing allows for some flexibility in the third position of the codon, enabling a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons that code for the same amino acid.
    Wobble base pairing
  • Missense mutations change one amino acid in the protein sequence, while silent mutations do not change the amino acid sequence due to redundancy in the genetic code.
  • Nonsense mutations introduce a premature stop codon, leading to a truncated protein.

    • Dive deeper: AUG is the start codon, coding for methionine. UAA, UAG, and UGA are stop codons that signal termination of translation. The genetic code is nearly universal across all organisms, with some exceptions in mitochondria of the cell and certain protozoa.