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AAT Bioquest

What is degeneracy in the genetic code?

Posted April 12, 2024


Answer

Degeneracy in the genetic code refers to the phenomenon where multiple codons can encode the same amino acid. Because several different codons can specify the same amino acid, the genetic code is considered degenerate. This redundancy allows for increased versatility in coding for amino acids, enabling a greater number of permutations and combinations within the genetic code. 

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