The process of converting genetic information encoded in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into a functional protein involves deciphering the nucleotide sequence and assembling amino acids accordingly. This conversion relies on the genetic code, a set of rules that define how three-nucleotide sequences, called codons, specify which amino acid is to be added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. For instance, the codon AUG generally signals the start of translation and codes for methionine.
This biological process is fundamental to all known forms of life, enabling the expression of genes and the subsequent creation of proteins that perform a vast array of functions within cells and organisms. Understanding this mechanism has been instrumental in fields ranging from medicine and biotechnology to evolutionary biology, facilitating the development of new therapies, diagnostic tools, and a deeper understanding of the relationships between species. Early experiments demonstrating the triplet nature of the genetic code and the role of messenger RNA were crucial milestones in deciphering how genetic information is utilized.
