The genetic code translates codons (triplets) into amino acids, and degeneracy means multiple codons can encode the same amino acid.

The genetic code translates codons (triplets) into amino acids, and degeneracy means multiple codons can encode the same amino acid.

• A. The genetic code translates codons (triplets) into amino acids
• B. Degeneracy means a single codon encodes multiple amino acids
• C. Codons are read in non-triplet units
• D. The genetic code is not universal across organisms

Answer: (C)

Codons are read in triplet units during translation, so each three-nucleotide sequence specifies one amino acid. This triplet framework sets a clear reading frame: altering where you start reading would shift every downstream codon and change the resulting protein. Degeneracy, where multiple codons encode the same amino acid, arises largely from variation at the third nucleotide and explains why there are more codons than amino acids. Because translation relies on these fixed three-nucleotide units, the idea that codons are read in non-triplet units isn’t compatible with how the genetic code operates.

Codons are read in triplet units during translation, so each three-nucleotide sequence specifies one amino acid. This triplet framework sets a clear reading frame: altering where you start reading would shift every downstream codon and change the resulting protein. Degeneracy, where multiple codons encode the same amino acid, arises largely from variation at the third nucleotide and explains why there are more codons than amino acids. Because translation relies on these fixed three-nucleotide units, the idea that codons are read in non-triplet units isn’t compatible with how the genetic code operates.