Question
All organisms contain DNA, and every organism's DNA is made of the same four nucleotides. The differences between organisms is simply based on the order of these nucleotides. Since all organisms have the same basic, universal structure for DNA, which of these must also be universal?
Responses
A All organisms have the same proteins.All organisms have the same proteins.
B All living things must have the same amount of DNA.All living things must have the same amount of DNA.
C All organisms must be genetically identical to each other.All organisms must be genetically identical to each other.
D All codons in all organisms' DNA code for the same amino acids.
Responses
A All organisms have the same proteins.All organisms have the same proteins.
B All living things must have the same amount of DNA.All living things must have the same amount of DNA.
C All organisms must be genetically identical to each other.All organisms must be genetically identical to each other.
D All codons in all organisms' DNA code for the same amino acids.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The best response to the question is:
**D All codons in all organisms' DNA code for the same amino acids.**
This statement reflects the universality of the genetic code, which means that while organisms may differ in the order of their nucleotides, the codons (three-nucleotide sequences) in their DNA correspond to the same amino acids across all organisms. This is a fundamental principle of molecular biology that underscores the shared evolutionary heritage among all living organisms.
The other options (A, B, C) are incorrect because:
- **A**: All organisms do not have the same proteins; they may have different proteins depending on their genes and how those genes are expressed.
- **B**: Different organisms can have varying amounts of DNA, as seen in species with different genome sizes.
- **C**: All organisms are not genetically identical; genetic variation is a fundamental aspect of biology and evolution.
**D All codons in all organisms' DNA code for the same amino acids.**
This statement reflects the universality of the genetic code, which means that while organisms may differ in the order of their nucleotides, the codons (three-nucleotide sequences) in their DNA correspond to the same amino acids across all organisms. This is a fundamental principle of molecular biology that underscores the shared evolutionary heritage among all living organisms.
The other options (A, B, C) are incorrect because:
- **A**: All organisms do not have the same proteins; they may have different proteins depending on their genes and how those genes are expressed.
- **B**: Different organisms can have varying amounts of DNA, as seen in species with different genome sizes.
- **C**: All organisms are not genetically identical; genetic variation is a fundamental aspect of biology and evolution.