What does the term "degeneracy" in genetic code refer to?

The term "degeneracy" in the genetic code refers to the phenomenon where a single amino acid can be specified by multiple codons. This means that while there are 20 standard amino acids used in protein synthesis, there are 64 possible codons (combinations of three nucleotides). As a result, many amino acids are encoded by more than one specific codon.

This characteristic of the genetic code is important for several reasons: it provides a buffer against mutations, as changes in a single nucleotide may not necessarily alter the amino acid that is produced. Additionally, this redundancy in the code helps in maintaining the stability of the protein synthesis process. Through degeneracy, the genetic code achieves a complex balance of specificity and flexibility, allowing organisms to effectively respond to genetic variations.

In contrast to other options, the statement regarding each gene corresponding to only one protein does not capture the complexities of gene expression and alternative splicing. The idea that every codon results in a different amino acid is incorrect because it disregards the redundancy of the code, and the notion that all codons are equally likely overlooks the nuances of codon usage bias, where some codons are preferred over others in different organisms.