Question

1. the mc1r gene codes for the 7. if the mc1r protein is 317 amino acids long, why are there 954 base pairs in the coding region of the gene?

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the number of base pairs for amino acids

Each amino acid is coded by 3 base pairs. For 317 amino acids, the number of base pairs is \(317\times3 = 951\) base pairs.

Step2: Consider the stop codon

A stop codon (which does not code for an amino acid) is also part of the coding region. A stop codon is made up of 3 base pairs. So \(951+ 3=954\) base pairs.

Answer:

Because each amino acid is coded by 3 base pairs (\(317\times3 = 951\)) and there is a 3 - base - pair stop codon in the coding region, so \(951 + 3=954\) base pairs.