The Genetic code

Question 1

define the genetic code

Answer 1

The genetic code is the sequence of bases in DNA that provide the instruction for a cell (using RNA) to form a protein

Question 2

What is a gene in terms of bases?

Answer 2

It is a sequence of many bases

Question 3

How is a gene expressed/how does it work?

Answer 3

When the genetic code is sent into the cytoplasm (using RNA) to form a protein

Question 4

What is a gene?

Answer 4

It is a section of DNA that instructs a cell how to form a particular protein molecule

Question 5

How many different types of amino acids are used in proteins?

Answer 5

20

Question 6

How does DNA code for amino acids?

Answer 6

DNA codes for each amino acid by using a sequence of three consecutive bases called a triplet/codon

Question 7

Give an example of bases coding for amino acids using valine and alanine

Answer 7

The DNA triplet CAA is the code for valine and CGA is a triplet for an amino acid called alanine.
They form part of a gene and will cause a protein to form with the relevant amino acids in sequence

Question 8

Define a triplet (or codon)

Answer 8

A sequence of three bases in DNA (or RNA) that act as a code for an amino acid