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 in American English
the biochemical code in DNA or RNA that determines the characteristics of an organism, made up of a long chain or sequence of nucleotides, codons, and genes
Examples of 'genetic code' in a sentence
genetic code
Each person is endowed with a unique genetic code.
McKenzie, James F. & Pinger, Robert R. An Introduction to Community Health (1995)