What is genetic code?

The genetic code is the set of instructions within a gene that directs a cell on how to produce a particular protein. These instructions are written using the four nucleotide bases of DNA: adenine (A), cytosine (C), thymine (T), and guanine (G). The genetic code arranges these bases into codons, each of which specifies a specific amino acid required at a particular position within the protein being synthesized. Each codon represents or encodes one amino acid, with the exception of those that signal the start or end of protein synthesis. Although there are only 20 common amino acids used to build proteins, there are 64 possible codons due to the combination of the four nitrogen bases. Out of the 64 codons in the genetic code, 61 code for amino acids, while the remaining three act as stop signals to terminate protein synthesis. While each codon is dedicated to encoding a specific amino acid or stop signal, the genetic code is termed degenerate or redundant because multiple codons can represent the same amino acid. Additionally, the genetic code is non-overlapping, meaning each nucleotide is part of only one codon and cannot be shared between two adjacent codons.