Question

Life as we know it depends on the genetic code: a set of codons, each made up of three bases in a DNA sequence and corresponding mRNA sequence, that specifies which of the 20 amino acids will be added to the protein during translation. Imagine that a prokaryote-like organism has been discovered in the polar ice on Mars. Interestingly, these Martian organisms use the same DNA → RNA → protein system as life on Earth, except that there are only 2 bases (A and T) in the Martian DNA, and there are only 17 amino acids found in Martian proteins. Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical Martian life-forms? View Available Hint(s) Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical Martian life-forms? 2 bases 3 bases 4 bases 5 bases 6 bases The answer cannot be determined from the information provided.

Answer 1

5

Step-by-step explanation:

life as we know it awncer

Answer 2

5 bases

Step-by-step explanation:

If there are 17 amino acids and only 2 bases that can be combined in order to make a codon then:

for 4 bases
`4^(2)` is 16 and it is not enough combination for all 17 amino acids

for 5 bases
`5^(2)` is 25 combinations (meaning that more than one codon could code for the same amino acid).