Select the incorrect option w.r.t. salient features of genetic code.

Options

A. One codon overlaps the next codon
B. The code is nearly universal
C. The codon is read in mRNA in a contiguous fashion
D. The codon is triplet

Answer

To determine the incorrect option regarding the salient features of the genetic code, we will analyze each option provided and identify which one does not align with the established characteristics of the genetic code.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Codons**: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids. Each codon is unique to a particular amino acid or a stop signal.

2. **Evaluating the Options**:
- **Option 1**: "One codon overlaps the next."
- This statement is incorrect. Codons do not overlap; each codon is read sequentially and independently. There is no shared nucleotide between adjacent codons.

- **Option 2**: "The code is nearly universal."
- This statement is correct. The genetic code is nearly universal, meaning that the same codons generally specify the same amino acids across different organisms.

- **Option 3**: "The code is read in mRNA in contiguous fashions."
- This statement is correct. The genetic code is read without punctuation (no commas or spaces), meaning that it is read continuously.

- **Option 4**: "The codons are triplet."
- This statement is correct. Codons are indeed made up of three nucleotides.

3. **Identifying the Incorrect Option**:
- From the evaluation, we see that the first option is the only incorrect statement regarding the salient features of the genetic code.

### Conclusion:
The incorrect option with respect to the salient features of the genetic code is: **"One codon overlaps the next."**

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