What does it mean for the genetic code to be continuous?

The genetic code being described as continuous refers to how nucleotides in a sequence are read during the process of translation, where the sequence of codons is interpreted to synthesize proteins. In a continuous genetic code, the nucleotides are read sequentially without any breaks or interruptions. This means that each codon, which consists of three nucleotides, is read one after the other in a linear fashion from a template, without skipping any nucleotides between them. This characteristic allows for a seamless flow of information, ensuring that the genetic instructions are translated accurately and efficiently into proteins.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of continuity in the genetic code. For instance, the idea of "nucleotides in a sequence are read with pauses" contradicts the concept of a continuous reading frame. Similarly, while proteins are indeed synthesized continuously through translation, this statement does not specifically address the nature of the genetic code itself, which is about the reading of nucleotides. Additionally, the notion of messengers being continuous in delivering information does not relate directly to the mechanics of how the genetic code is interpreted.