Imagine that NASA discovered a prokaryote-like organism. Initial experiments indicated they use the same DNA → RNA → protein system as life on Earth, except that
there are only 2 bases (A and T) in the Martian DNA, and
there are only 17 amino acids found in Martian proteins.
Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical organisms?

Imagine that NASA discovered a prokaryote-like organism. Initial experiments indicated they use the same DNA → RNA → protein system as life on Earth, except that

there are only 2 bases (A and T) in the Martian DNA, and

there are only 17 amino acids found in Martian proteins.

Based on this information, what is the minimum size of a codon for these hypothetical organisms?

Explanation:

geologic time scale (for gradpoint) =)

in a chemical reaction, the atoms and molecules produced by the reaction are called products. no new atoms are created, and no atoms are destroyed. in a chemical reaction, reactants contact each other, bonds between atoms in the reactants are broken, and atoms rearrange and form new bonds to make the products.