1.2 Genetic Code

• What is the primary function of DNA?

  To control protein formation in cells
• How does DNA control protein formation?

  Through a genetic code using triplets of bases
• What are the two types of bases in DNA?

  Purine and pyrimidine bases
• What happens when the two strands of DNA are split apart?

  Exposed bases form the genetic code
• What is a triplet in the context of genetic code?

  Three successive bases forming a code word
• What do the successive triplets in the genetic code control?

  The sequence of amino acids in proteins
• What amino acids are specified by the triplets GGC, AGA, and CTT?

  Proline, serine, and glutamic acid
• What is the process of protein synthesis controlled by the genetic code?

  1. DNA strands split apart
  2. Exposed bases form triplets
  3. Triplets dictate amino acid sequence
  4. Amino acids combine to form proteins