Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Degenerate refers to the redundancy of the genetic code, where multiple codons can encode the same amino acid. This feature provides a buffer against mutations in DNA sequences.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
The genetic code is degenerate because there are 64 codons but only 20 amino acids.
Synonymous codons are different codons that specify the same amino acid.
Degeneracy of the genetic code helps protect against point mutations.
Wobble base pairing contributes to the degeneracy of the genetic code.
The third base in a codon often varies without changing the encoded amino acid.
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Related terms
Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides that together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.
Synonymous Codon: Different codons that specify the same amino acid due to degeneracy.
Wobble Base Pairing: The flexibility in base-pairing rules wherein certain bases at the third position of a tRNA anticodon can pair with multiple bases at the first position of a mRNA codon.