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Handout about Immune System

This document introduces genetic codes and codons, explaining their definitions, properties, and roles in protein synthesis. It details the structure of the genetic code, including the 64 triplet nucleotides that correspond to 20 amino acids, and emphasizes the concepts of degeneracy and non-ambiguity. The importance of coding in biological functions is highlighted, illustrating the consequences of impaired coding on immune response, cell regeneration, and cognitive abilities.

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0320-1609
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Handout about Immune System

This document introduces genetic codes and codons, explaining their definitions, properties, and roles in protein synthesis. It details the structure of the genetic code, including the 64 triplet nucleotides that correspond to 20 amino acids, and emphasizes the concepts of degeneracy and non-ambiguity. The importance of coding in biological functions is highlighted, illustrating the consequences of impaired coding on immune response, cell regeneration, and cognitive abilities.

Uploaded by

0320-1609
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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INTRODUCTION TO GENE CODES AND CODONS

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to:

• define what is genetic codes and codons;


• illustrate how genetic code table is used in reading amino acids sequence;
• enumerate the properties of genetic codes; and
• describe the role of genetic codes in our life.

The genetic code is a particular sequence of nucleotide that tells us which “amino acids” are to be linked together to
form a protein.

The genetic code is consist of 64 triplet nucleotides that codes for 20 amino
acids. Each of these triplets are known as codons. A single amino acids can be
coded by more than 1 codon. This property of genetic code is known as
degeneracy.

For example, amino acid Pro or Proline can be coded by CCU, CCC, CCA ,and
CCG. However, a single codon will all be coded for a single amino acid. For
https://byjus.com/biology/genetic-code/
example, CCU will always encode Proline, and AUG will always codes for Met or
Methionine. This property of genetic code is called non-ambiguity or the “ “
non-ambiguous nature”.

The genetic code is non-overlapping which means, after reading one triplet, the
reading frame shift over the other 3 nucleotides. The genetic code is commaless
which means there’s no extra nucleotides between the codons.

The genetic code is nearly universal which means, it is same in humans, E.coli,
Image from https://biologyreader.com/genetic-codons.html#google_vignette
plants, amphibians and viruses. With some exceptions including single-
celled eukaryotes, and some bacteria.

In biology, coding refers to the way our genetic material (DNA or RNA) instructs our cells to make proteins, which are
essential for life. If our body don’t code, we would not be able to produce the proteins we need for various functions,
such as growth, repair, immunity, metabolism, and communication. Without coding, our body would not be able to
function properly and we would suffer from many diseases and disorders. Some examples of what would happen if our
body don’t code are:

• If our immune system don’t code, we would not be able to fight off infections and diseases, and we would be
vulnerable to foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• If our cells don’t code, we would not be able to make new cells and replace old or damaged ones, and we
would age faster and lose our ability to heal.
• If our brain don’t code, we would not be able to process information, learn, remember, think, and
communicate, and we would lose our intelligence and personality.

References:

Earnbiologically. (2011, October 19). Codons [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwTExa8rs5A

Quick Biochemistry Basics. (2018, November 12). Genetic code [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftyM-LcELSI

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