Birgid Schlindwein's
Hypermedia Glossary Of Genetic Terms
Search Results
Birgid Schlindwein'sHypermedia Glossary Of Genetic TermsSearch Results |
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| Amino acid | Any of a class of 20 molecules that are combined to form proteins in living things. The sequence of amino acids in a protein and hence protein function are determined by the genetic code. Amino acids contain a basic amino (NH2) group, an acidic carboxyl (COOH) group and a side chain (R - of a number of different kinds) attached to an alpha carbon atom.
Thus the general formula is:
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| Protein | A large molecule composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific order; the order is determined by the base sequence of nucleotides in the gene coding for the protein. Proteins are required for the structure, function, and regulation of the bodys cells, tissues, and organs, and each protein has unique functions. Examples are hormones, enzymes, and antibodies. |
| Sequence | Order of bases in DNA or RNA (base sequence)or of amino acids in a protein. |
| Genetic code | The sequence of nucleotides, coded in triplets (codons) along the mRNA, that determines the sequence of amino acids in protein synthesis. The DNA sequence of a gene can be used to predict the mRNA sequence, and the genetic code can in turn be used to predict the amino acid sequence. |
