Q. In the genetic code dictionary, how many codons are used to code for all the 20 essential amino acids?

A) 20
B) 64
C) 61
D) 60
Explanation

Refer to answer (Genetic code is non-ambiguous. Non-ambiguous code means that there is no ambiguity about a particular code. One codon specifies only one amino acid and not any other. There are 64 codons. Out of 64, 3 are stop codons or non-sense codons, i.e., these do not code for any amino acid and rest 61 code for one of the 20 amino acids. Neither of them code for more than one amino acids except GUG which normally code for valine but in certain conditions it also codes for N-formyl methionine as initiation codon).

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.