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Multiple Choice
How many nucleotides are needed to specify three amino acids in a protein sequence?
A
6
B
9
C
12
D
3
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the relationship between nucleotides and amino acids: In the genetic code, each amino acid is specified by a sequence of three nucleotides known as a codon.
Recognize that each codon consists of three nucleotides. Therefore, to specify one amino acid, three nucleotides are required.
Calculate the number of nucleotides needed for three amino acids: Since each amino acid requires three nucleotides, multiply the number of amino acids (3) by the number of nucleotides per amino acid (3).
Use the formula: \( \text{Total nucleotides} = \text{Number of amino acids} \times \text{Nucleotides per amino acid} \).
Substitute the values into the formula: \( \text{Total nucleotides} = 3 \times 3 \).