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

Where the actual genetic code of mostly regulatory regions — so regions that tell a gene to make more of it or make less of it, right? —Janna Levin, Quanta Magazine, 21 Nov. 2024

In Anderson’s eyes, Hinduism is written into India’s genetic code. —Pankaj Mishra, Foreign Affairs, 15 Oct. 2013

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

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