Definition

Noun: The set of rules by which information encoded within genetic material (DNA or RNA sequences) is translated into proteins by living cells. It is the specific, nearly universal correspondence between sequences of three nucleotides (codons) and the amino acids they specify during protein synthesis.

Usage

The term "genetic code" refers to the biochemical foundation of heredity. - It is used to describe the system itself, not the act of coding. - It is typically used with definite articles ("the genetic code") or possessive determiners ("its genetic code"). - It is a non-count noun when referring to the system as a whole.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Scientists have fully deciphered the genetic code.
  • The genetic code is remarkably consistent across most organisms.
  • A mutation can alter the message written in an organism's genetic code.

Advanced Usage

• "Crack/decipher the genetic code": To successfully determine and understand the rules of the code.
  • The research team aimed to crack the genetic code of the novel virus.
• "Written in the genetic code": Used metaphorically to describe a trait or instruction determined by DNA.
  • The instinct for survival is written in the genetic code.

Variants and Related Words

• Genetic (adj): Relating to genes or heredity.
  • Genetic information is stored in DNA.
• Code (n/v): As a noun, a system of symbols or signals for communication. As a verb, to write or express in a code.
  • The programmer wrote the code for the application. (Note: This is a different, non-biological usage of "code").
• Codon (n): A sequence of three nucleotides that forms a unit of genetic code.
  • Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid.

Synonyms

• Genetic cipher: A less common synonym emphasizing the encoded nature of the information.
• Genomic code: Sometimes used, though it can more specifically refer to the code within an organism's complete set of DNA.

Related Phrases

• Universal genetic code: Refers to the fact that the same codons specify the same amino acids in almost all organisms.
  • The near-universal genetic code is evidence for common ancestry.
• Genetic blueprint: A related metaphorical term for the complete set of genetic instructions.
  • DNA serves as the genetic blueprint for an organism.

Noun

1. the ordering of nucleotides in DNA molecules that carries the genetic information in living cells