Genetic code was discovered by `:`

Options

A. Nirenberg & Matthaei
B. Kornberg & Crick
C. Khorana & Kornberg
D. Gamow

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Identify the Question**: The question asks who discovered the genetic code.

2. **Historical Context**: The genetic code was first described in 1961. This is an important detail as it sets the timeframe for the discovery.

3. **Key Figures**: The primary individuals credited with this discovery are Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich J. Matthaei. It is crucial to mention both names as they collaborated on this research.

4. **Methodology**: Nirenberg and Matthaei used a cell-free protein synthesis system to conduct their experiments. This method allowed them to translate RNA sequences into polypeptides.

5. **Experiment Details**: They specifically used a polyuracil RNA sequence in their experiments. This choice was significant because it allowed them to determine the relationship between RNA codons and amino acids.

6. **Findings**: Through their experiments, they discovered that the codon UUU corresponds to the amino acid phenylalanine. This was a pivotal finding in understanding how genetic information is translated into proteins.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, it can be concluded that the genetic code was first described by Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich J. Matthaei in 1961.

**Final Answer**: The genetic code was discovered by Marshall Nirenberg and Heinrich J. Matthaei.

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