1. Triplet Code: The genetic code is triplets. That is, the three nitrogenous bases carry the code or signal for amino acids to form proteins. In 1954, scientist George Gamow proved that the genetic code is a triplet or 3-letter code. Eg AGU, AGC, AGA, AGG etc.
2. Genetic code is continuous: The genetic code works continuously without interruption. That is, there are no extra nucleotides or gaps between two adjacent codons. Like-GUUGUCGUAGUG.
3. Genetic code is non-overlapping: The three nitrogen bases of the genetic code are never arranged in an overlapping or overlapping manner. (If the genetic code overlaps, four amino acids will be specified by 6 nitrogen bases and seven by 9 nitrogen bases. On the other hand, if the genetic code is not overlapped, two amino acids will be specified by 6 nitrogen bases and three amino acids will be specified by 9 nitrogen bases). In 1965, scientist Hargobind Khorana demonstrated that the nitrogen bases of the genetic code are non-overlapping. For example – CGUCGCCGA genetic code is universal: the genetic code of all organisms on earth is the same. That is, the genetic code never changes depending on the type or structure of the organism. For example, the AUA genetic code carries the signal for the amino acid called methionine in all organisms on earth, including viruses and bacteria.
5. Genetic Code Has Polarity: Genetic codes contain genetic information from DNA in a specific sequence. The genetic code always carries signals in the 5→3 pathway. So the polarity of the genetic code is 5→3.
6. Genetic Code Ambiguity or Degeneracy: When a genetic code carries the signal of an amino acid, it is called degeneracy. For example, a code carrying the signal for tryptophin is UGG.
7. Genetic code is degenerate: If more than one genetic code carries the signal of a single amino acid, it is called polymorphism. For example, six codes UCU, UCC, UCA, UCG, AGU and AGC carry the signal of serine.