What does the DNA sequence being 'degenerate' mean?

Amino acids are coded for by specific codons. There are some instances where some particular amino acids can be coded for by more than one codon (codon being three nucleotides bonded together). This is known as DNA being dengerate. If we take Valine (val) as an example, it is coded for by the codons GUU, GUC, GUA, GUG. This means that if the third nucleotide base is substituted by Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine or Uracil, it will still code for Valine, reducing the likelihood of genetic mutations that may prove to be harmful for that individual! 

BN
Answered by Bibi N. Biology tutor

10117 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

Outline the "Sliding Filament Theory" of muscle contraction.


Describe the four stages of mitosis


Describe how mRNA is produced in the nucleus of a cell


Explain how the formation of glycogen in liver cells leads to a lowering of blood glucose concentration.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning