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                            >o<The Genetic Code>_<

    *Definition of the highlighted words at the end of the page 

        DNA contains a code language with just four letters, known as bases, called the genetic code. The four bases are strung linearly along the chromosomes.The genetic code consists of 64 triplets of nucleotiodes called codons. Each codon encodes for one of the 20 amino acids used in the synthesis of proteins.

      DNA contains a sequence of bases. During protein synthesis, the DNA splits in half and RNA molecules copy the DNA strand. Then, RNA strand moves from the cells nucleus to the ribosomes often found on rough endoplasmic reticulum. The ribosome decodes the RNA base sequence and tRNA molecules carry in the correct amino acid sequence. The anti-codon on the RNA matches the codon on the amino acid. 

     One codon, AUG, serves two related functions:                                                                                                        

• It signals the start of translation

      * Translation starts with a initiation/start codon.

•  It codes for the incorporation of the amino acid methionine into the growing polypeptide chain     

      The genetic code can be expressed as either RNA codons or DNA codons. RNA codons occur in messenger RNA(mRNA) and are read during the process of translation. But each mRNA molecule acquires its sequence of nucleotides by transcription from the corresponding gene.  

                                           http://library.thinkquest.org/C0123260/basic%20knowledge/images/basic%20knowledge/RNA/genetic%20code.jpg 

• Vocabulary:

   

  Nucleotides- a basic structural unit of nucleic acids(DNA or RNA)

   

  Synthesis of Proteins- a two part process that involves a second type of nucleic acid with DNA

   

  AUG- Alanine Pyroglutamatic Glycine

   

  Translation- process in which the genetic information on a mRNA molecule is made use of to make proteins

   

  amino acid methionine- indispensable sulfur amino acid

   

  polypeptide chain- a sequence of animo acids joined together by peptide bonds, a chemical bond formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amine group of the other molecule

   

   

Bibliography: 

http://nobelprize.org/educational_games/medicine/gene-code/history.html 

http://www.accessexcellence.org/RC/VL/GG/genetic.php

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/T/Translation.html