genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and appear to be uniform for nearly all known forms of life

Examples of genetic code in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news A simple difference in the genetic code – two X chromosomes versus one X chromosome and one Y chromosome – can lead to major differences in heart disease. —Amy Huebschmann, Discover Magazine, 24 Oct. 2024

Yet their presence within our genetic code is not intended to cause disease. —Juergen Eckhardt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

That's not an easy task to accomplish because the nuclear membrane is a notoriously tough shield that protects our genetic code. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 3 Oct. 2024

These snippets of genetic code prompt your immune system to replicate—for example—part of a virus encoded by that mRNA and then learn how to fight it off. —Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

genetic code

noun

: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins

Medical Definition

genetic code

noun

: the biochemical basis of heredity consisting of codons in DNA and RNA that determine the specific amino acid sequence in proteins and that appear to be uniform for all known forms of life

genetic coding noun