Quick Check

Where would you expect to find an open reading frame?

a. mRNA

b. miRNA

c. rRNA

d. tRNA

What do we mean when we say that the genetic code is "degenerate"?

a. All living things have virtually the same genetic code.

b. Each codon has three nucleotides in it.

c. Many of the amino acids are encoded by more than one codon.

d. The genetic code is translated on the ribosome.

This is the sequence of the first 6 nucleotides in the genetic code of a protein:

AUGCCA. How many amino acids are encoded by this segment?

a. 1

b. 2

c. 4

d. 6

e. Depending on the circumstances, a combination of some of the above.

John C. Lee, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Medical Education, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio