A deletion mutation occurs, leaving 14 nucleotides in a DNA sequence. What is the maximum number of amino acids that could be coded for by this sequence?

A. 11

B. 4

C. 5

D. 6

4

Explanation:

Nucleotides on a DNA sequence are classified into three bases that make up a codon. During translation, the mRNA information is translated in form of codons into amino acids that form different types of proteins. 20 types of amino acids exist. When 14 is divided by 3 (number of nucleotides that make a codon) we get 4 complete codons. The four codons are coded to form 4 different amino acids.