Cards (5)

    • genetic code 

      is the sequence of codons in DNA or mRNA, which codes for specific amino acids.
      • works in one direction
      • the same specific base triplet code for the same amino acid in all living things
      • non-overlapping
    • the genetic code is degenerate as there are more possible combinations of triplets than amino acids so some amino acids are coded for by more than one codon
    • Not all triplets code for amino acids though. For example, some triplets are used to tell the cell when to stop production of a protein - these are called stop codons. They're found at the end of the mRNA.
    • there are also start signals at the start of the mRNA which tell the cell when to start protein production these are called start codons