genetic code

American  

noun

1. the biochemical instructions that translate the genetic information present as a linear sequence of nucleotide triplets in messenger RNA into the correct linear sequence of amino acids for the synthesis of a particular peptide chain or protein.

---

genetic code British  

noun

1. biochem the order in which the nitrogenous bases of DNA are arranged in the molecule, which determines the type and amount of protein synthesized in the cell. The four bases are arranged in groups of three in a specific order, each group acting as a unit (codon), which specifies a particular amino acid See also messenger RNA transfer RNA

---

genetic code Scientific  

/ jə-nĕt′ĭk /

1. The sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA that serve as instructions for synthesizing proteins. The genetic code is based on an “alphabet” consisting of sixty-four triplets of nucleotides called codons. The order in which codons are strung together determines the order in which the amino acids for which they code are arranged in a protein.

---

genetic code Cultural  

1. The code that translates the sequence of nucleotides in genes along the DNA strand into the structure of protein, which, through its action as an enzyme, governs one chemical reaction in the cell. A simple mnemonic is “One gene codes for one protein which runs one reaction.”

---

Discover More

All living things share the same genetic code, a fact that represents strong evidence for evolution. Unraveling the genetic code was one of the great scientific achievements of the twentieth century, and it opened the way to genetic engineering.

Etymology

Origin of genetic code

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Scientists said Crinkle had become the first of her species, which is endangered in the wild, to have her complete genetic code decoded.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

Samples are then analysed in powerful computerised DNA sequencers, some of which cost about £1m each, to build a picture of the cancer's genetic code - which can help determine the best course of treatment.

From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026

It allows scientists to locate specific DNA sequences and make targeted changes, often replacing faulty genetic code with healthy versions.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

It was an amalgamation of his favorite artists, infused with a genetic code that was specific to L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

It was as if the aliens had come down to Earth at last but what they wanted was not our genetic code, or our fresh water, or our electric guitars.

From "The Mona Lisa Vanishes" by Nicholas Day