What is the genetic code?
a) the order of amino acids in proteins makes up the genetic code
b) the order of amino acids in mRNA makes up the genetic code
c) the order of nitrogen bases in tRNA makes up the genetic code
d) the order of nitrogen bases in DNA makes up the genetic code
I think the answer is D
The correct answer is d) the order of nitrogen bases in DNA makes up the genetic code.
To understand why this is the correct answer, let's look at the components involved in the process of gene expression. The genetic code refers to the instructions stored in DNA that determine the sequence of amino acids in a protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
To understand the genetic code, we need to understand the structure of DNA. DNA is made up of a sequence of nucleotides, and these nucleotides consist of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. There are four different nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G).
The order of these nitrogenous bases in DNA is what determines the genetic code. Each three-nucleotide sequence, known as a codon, corresponds to a particular amino acid. For example, the codon "ATG" codes for the amino acid methionine.
During gene expression, the DNA sequence is transcribed into RNA, specifically messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosomes, where it is translated into proteins.
Therefore, option d) stating that the order of nitrogen bases in DNA makes up the genetic code is the correct answer.