Here's why:
* The genetic code is redundant: There are 64 possible codons (three-nucleotide sequences) but only 20 amino acids. This means that multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
* Silent mutations change the codon but not the amino acid: A silent mutation occurs when a single nucleotide base is changed within a gene, but the resulting codon still codes for the same amino acid.
Example:
* Original codon: UGU (codes for cysteine)
* Silent mutation: UGA (still codes for cysteine)
Even though the DNA sequence has changed, the protein produced will remain the same because the amino acid sequence is unchanged.
Important Note: While silent mutations don't change the amino acid sequence, they can sometimes have subtle effects on gene expression or protein folding.
