Definition of the genetic code
How the genetic code is read
Characteristics of the genetic code
The genetic code is the sequence of nitrogen bases (A, C, G, U) in mRNA
Bases are grouped into triplets called codons
Each codon codes for one amino acid or a start/stop signal
There are 64 codons but only 20 amino acids
Translation begins at the start codon (AUG), which codes for methionine
The mRNA sequence is read in groups of three bases (codons)
Translation stops when a stop codon (UAG, UGA, or UAA) is reached
Universal – Used by all known living organisms
Unambiguous – Each codon codes for only one amino acid
Redundant – Most amino acids have multiple codons
The genetic code is based on the sequence of bases in DNA or RNA
Codons (triplets of bases) code for specific amino acids
The code is read in order from the start codon to a stop codon
It is universal, unambiguous, and redundant