Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 6: Gene Expression and Regulation/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Bacteria transformed with a human gene for a digestive enzyme can synthesize the identical human polypeptide. Which feature of the genetic code makes this possible?

A.Codons specify the same amino acids across nearly all organisms, so bacteria translate human coding sequences correctly
B.Bacterial ribosomes edit nonbacterial amino acids out of the finished chain
C.The human gene mutates until its codons resemble bacterial genes
D.Bacteria convert human DNA directly into protein without messenger RNA

Explanation

Core Concept

The genetic code is nearly universal, so an engineered human coding sequence can be read by bacterial ribosomes to produce the same encoded amino acid sequence. Successful production of a mature functional human protein can still require appropriate construct design, folding, cleavage, or post-translational processing. Code universality guarantees codon meaning, not every aspect of mature-protein processing.

Correct Answer

ACodons specify the same amino acids across nearly all organisms, so bacteria translate human coding sequences correctly

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