During planetary exploration a new life form is discovered which has a DNA genome containing 6 different bases rather than the familiar four. The life form contains proteins with 25 different amino acids. Codons on Earth comprise three nucleotides; assuming a non-overlapping genetic code that includes initiation and termination codons, how many nucleotides would you predict to constitute a codon in the new life form, assuming all codons to be the same length? Briefly explain your answer.
Genetic Recombination
Recombination is crucial to this process because it allows genes to be reassorted into diverse combinations. Genetic recombination is the process of combining genetic components from two different origins into a single unit. In prokaryotes, genetic recombination takes place by the unilateral transfer of deoxyribonucleic acid. It includes transduction, transformation, and conjugation. The genetic exchange occurring between homologous deoxyribonucleic acid sequences (DNA) from two different sources is termed general recombination. For this to happen, an identical sequence of the two recombining molecules is required. The process of genetic exchange which occurs in eukaryotes during sexual reproduction such as meiosis is an example of this type of genetic recombination.
Microbial Genetics
Genes are the functional units of heredity. They transfer characteristic information from parents to the offspring.
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