State the salient features of the genetic code.

(N/A) The salient features of the genetic code are as follows:
$(i)$ The codon is a triplet. $61$ codons code for amino acids and $3$ codons do not code for any amino acids; hence,they function as stop codons.
$(ii)$ One codon codes for only one amino acid; hence,it is unambiguous and specific.
$(iii)$ Some amino acids are coded by more than one codon; hence,the code is degenerate.
$(iv)$ The codon is read in $mRNA$ in a contiguous fashion. There are no punctuations.
$(v)$ The code is nearly universal: for example,from bacteria to humans,$UUU$ codes for Phenylalanine $(Phe)$. Some exceptions to this rule have been found in mitochondrial codons and in some protozoans.
$(vi)$ $AUG$ has dual functions. It codes for Methionine $(Met)$ and also acts as an initiator codon.