There are 61 codons that each specify the addition of a specific amino acid, and 3 stop codons for which there is no corresponding amino acid. However, there are only about 40 tRNA molecules, representing 40 anticodons. How is that possible?
A) Only about 40 of the recognized 61 codons are present in mRNA.
B) An anticodon forms hydrogen bonds with the codon; it must match the first two bases of the codon but is less specific with respect to the third base.
C) There are tRNAs that can bind one of two related amino acids.
D) Only 20 of the codons are active-one for each amino acid.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The genetic code is redundant, meaning that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. This is possible because the third base in a codon is less specific and can have some flexibility in pairing with the anticodon of the tRNA. This allows for fewer tRNA molecules to recognize the multiple codons that code for the same amino acid.

There Are 61 Codons That Each Specify the Addition of a Specific