What is the genetic code?
The genetic code is the set of rules by which the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
Each group of three bases, called a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
What is the difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) stores the genetic information of an organism, while RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) helps carry out and express that information.
DNA is double-stranded and contains thymine (T), whereas RNA is single-stranded and contains uracil (U) instead.
What are transcription and translation?
- Transcription: The process where DNA is copied into mRNA by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
- Translation: The process where ribosomes read the mRNA and assemble a chain of amino acids to form a protein.
Together, they represent the central dogma of molecular biology: DNA → RNA → Protein.
What are codons and anticodons?
A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on mRNA that specifies one amino acid.
An anticodon is the complementary sequence on a tRNA molecule, which ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain.
What role do ribosomes play in protein synthesis?
Ribosomes are molecular machines that read mRNA sequences and assemble amino acids into proteins.
They consist of two subunits (large and small) made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
What happens if a mutation occurs in DNA?
A mutation is a change in the DNA sequence.
Depending on its type and location, it may have no effect, cause a minor change in the protein, or result in a loss of function.
Some mutations also drive evolutionary diversity.
What is mRNA and why is it important?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes, where it guides protein synthesis.
It acts as a temporary copy of a gene and is essential in regulating gene expression.
How are proteins made from amino acids?
During translation, ribosomes join amino acids together through peptide bonds.
The resulting chain of amino acids folds into a three-dimensional structure, forming a functional protein.
What is the central dogma of molecular biology?
The central dogma explains the flow of genetic information:
DNA → RNA → Protein
DNA is transcribed into RNA, and RNA is translated into proteins.
This principle describes how genes determine the traits of living organisms.
How is this knowledge used in biotechnology?
Understanding the genetic code allows scientists to:
- Develop DNA sequencing technologies
- Create mRNA vaccines and gene therapies
- Design synthetic genes for research and medicine
What is the difference between gene and protein?
A gene is a segment of DNA that contains instructions for making a protein.
A protein is the functional molecule produced when that gene’s code is expressed through transcription and translation.