Asked by Katie Hernandezö on Jun 20, 2024

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The total number of different three-base combinations of the four nucleic acid bases is:

A) 12
B) 16
C) 20
D) 64
E) 256

Nucleic Acid Bases

The parts of DNA and RNA molecules that carry genetic information, specifically adenine, thymine (in DNA), cytosine, guanine, and uracil (in RNA).

Three-Base Combinations

Sequences of three nucleotide bases in DNA or RNA, known as codons, which specify the addition of a specific amino acid to a growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.

  • Grasp the design and function of nucleic acids, along with their contribution to the core tenet of molecular biology.
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Verified Answer

NA
Nisha AroraJun 27, 2024
Final Answer :
D
Explanation :
There are four nucleic acid bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine in DNA; uracil replaces thymine in RNA). For each position in a three-base combination, there are four possibilities, leading to 4^3 = 64 different combinations.