How many nucleotides are needed to code for a protein with 450 amino acids?

• A. At least 150
• B. At least 900
• C. At least 1,800
• D. At least 1,350

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that each amino acid in a protein is coded by a sequence of three nucleotides, known as a codon, in the mRNA.
2. Recognize that to determine the number of nucleotides needed, you must multiply the number of amino acids by the number of nucleotides per codon.
3. Set up the equation: Number of nucleotides = Number of amino acids × 3.
4. Substitute the given number of amino acids (450) into the equation: Number of nucleotides = 450 × 3.
5. Calculate the product to find the total number of nucleotides required to code for the protein.