The salient features of the genetic code are
(A) the code is palindromic
(B) UGA acts as initiator codon
(C) the code is unambiguous and specific
(D) the code is nearly universal
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

The correct statements are C and D only. A and B are incorrect statements.
C. The code is unambiguous and specific: Each codon (a sequence of three nucleotides) in the genetic code corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal. The genetic code does not have overlapping codons, meaning each nucleotide is only read once. This property ensures that the translation of genetic information is accurate and specific.
D. The code is nearly universal: With a few minor exceptions, the genetic code is shared by almost all organisms on Earth. This means that the same codons code for the same amino acids across different species. The universality of the genetic code allows for the exchange of genetic information and the synthesis.
Of proteins in various organisms.
A. The code is palindromic: This statement is incorrect. The genetic code is not palindromic. A palindromic sequence reads the same backward as it does forward. The genetic code does not possess this property.
B. UGA acts as an initiator codon: This statement is incorrect. UGA is one of the three stop codons in the genetic code, signaling the termination of protein synthesis, rather than acting as an initiator codon.