genetic code

noun

Definition of genetic code

: 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

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Earlier this year, Nature Medicine published papers suggesting that editing one part of the DNA using this method could harm other parts of an organism’s genetic code. — Angela Chen, The Verge, "Flawed DNA editing of alleged ‘designer babies’ may have put their health at risk," 29 Nov. 2018 The project will sequence the genome — the entire genetic code of a living thing — of more than 100 southern-resident orca whales using skin or other samples collected from live and dead orcas over the past two decades. — Phuong Le, The Seattle Times, "Scientists to sequence genes of struggling southern-resident orca whales," 5 Oct. 2018 Different ways to downsize a genome B. recurrentis causes relapses because its genetic code enables the bacteria to run through a random sequence of different variants of two proteins, called antigens, on its surface. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Ancient DNA reveals the secrets of a devastating European disease," 26 Sep. 2018 The bigger the genetic code, the more can go wrong, and much of what the genome contains, Salzberg said, is unnecessary. — Scott Wilson, Washington Post, "As threats to California’s giant redwoods grow, the key to their salvation might be in their complex genetic code.," 7 Feb. 2018 For the first time, scientists are mapping the coast redwood’s genome, a genetic code 12 times larger than that of a human being. — Dino Grandoni, Washington Post, "The Energy 202: Pruitt isn't the first to argue global warming may not be 'a bad thing'," 8 Feb. 2018 The pattern of bands represents the chemical sequence that forms the genetic code for a section of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). — Fortune, "DNA Detectives Are Searching for Killers in Your Family Tree," 14 June 2018 These possibilities are close to becoming real thanks to technology that uses digital genetic code to chemically synthesize DNA strands overnight—essentially printing out biological material on demand. — Laine Higgins, WSJ, "This Company Aims to Deliver DNA on Demand With Its Biological Fax Machine," 12 July 2018 All three have donated their genetic code and cells to science. — Karen Weintraub, BostonGlobe.com, "A doctor wages personal and professional battles against aging," 23 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'genetic code.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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7 Dec 2018

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The first known use of genetic code was in 1958

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More Definitions for genetic code

genetic code

noun

Kids Definition of genetic code

: the arrangement of chemical groups within the genes which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins

genetic code

noun

Medical Definition of genetic code

: 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