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Multiple Choice
How many amino acids are coded for by a sequence of three nucleotides?
A
One amino acid
B
Two amino acids
C
Three amino acids
D
Four amino acids
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of a codon: A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
Recognize that the genetic code is read in triplets, meaning each set of three nucleotides (a codon) codes for one amino acid.
Consider the role of mRNA in translation: During protein synthesis, mRNA is translated into a chain of amino acids, with each codon specifying which amino acid is added next.
Recall that there are 64 possible codons (4^3 combinations of the four nucleotides: A, U, C, and G), but only 20 standard amino acids, meaning some amino acids are coded by more than one codon.
Conclude that a sequence of three nucleotides codes for exactly one amino acid, as each codon corresponds to a single amino acid in the genetic code.