TRIPLET CODE Meaning and
Definition
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The term "triplet code" refers to the fundamental concept of genetic information encoding in living organisms. Specifically, it refers to the way in which the sequence of nucleotides in DNA and RNA molecules is structured and translated into functional proteins. The triplet code is a set of three nucleotides, also known as a codon, which encodes for a specific amino acid or serves as a start or stop signal.
In this coding system, each codon acts as a "word" that represents an individual amino acid, and the sequence of codons along a strand of DNA or RNA forms a "sentence" that determines the sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis. The triplet code has four possible nucleotides: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T) in DNA or uracil (U) in RNA. By combining these nucleotides in specific arrangements of three, there are a total of 64 possible codons. Among these, three codons—UAA, UGA, and UAG—act as "stop" signals, indicating the end of protein synthesis.
The triplet code plays a vital role in the central dogma of molecular biology, as it serves as the bridge between the coded genetic information stored in DNA and the synthesis of proteins that carry out the functions encoded by that genetic information. It provides the key instructions necessary for the precise assembly of amino acids during translation, enabling the formation of specific proteins with unique structures and functions.
Common Misspellings for TRIPLET CODE
- rriplet code
- friplet code
- griplet code
- yriplet code
- 6riplet code
- 5riplet code
- teiplet code
- tdiplet code
- tfiplet code
- ttiplet code
- t5iplet code
- t4iplet code
- truplet code
- trjplet code
- trkplet code
- troplet code
- tr9plet code
- tr8plet code
- triolet code
Etymology of TRIPLET CODE
The term "triplet code" in the context of genetics and molecular biology refers to the sequence of three nucleotides, or bases, that code for a specific amino acid or serve as stop signals in the genetic code. The etymology of the phrase can be understood by breaking it down into its components.
1. Triplet: The term "triplet" comes from the Latin word "triplex" which means "threefold" or "consisting of three". It refers to a group or set of three elements or units.
2. Code: The term "code" is derived from the Latin word "codex" meaning "an authoritative book" or "a system of laws or rules". In the context of genetics, it refers to the set of rules or instructions that determine how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA or RNA translates into the synthesis of proteins.
Similar spelling words for TRIPLET CODE
- treble recorder,
- Triple Frontier,
- triple jump,
- Triple Creme,
- triple play,
- triple crown,
- triple-crown,
- triple-tongue,
- triple-decker,
- triple cream,
- triple sec,
- tripletail,
- treble clef.
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