genetic code

noun

|Updated on: 3 Aug 2018

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

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Recent Examples of genetic code from the Web

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
Khorana’s fundamental work helps unravel the genetic code.

— mark johnson, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "UW scientific advances include vitamins, growing human embryonic stem cells in lab," 12 July 2018
Scientists creating a record-breaking 49 genetically identical copies based on her genes, hoping to crack the genetic code behind her tiny stature.

— Fox News, "Trump eyes even higher tariffs as China trade war escalates," 7 July 2018
The researchers conclude that while a single dose of chlamydia medicine might work for humans, koalas, because of their genetic code, will need a daily dose for up to 30 to 45 days.

— deborah netburn, latimes.com, "The koalas are threatened. Can their genome help us save them?," 2 July 2018
To protect your genetic code from the structural harm that can lead to skin cancer is one thing—to actively correct that harm is another challenge entirely.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "DNA-Repairing Sunscreen: Legit or Not?," 2 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
The main purpose of the deal, Helix executives said, was to acquire a technology developed by HumanCode that essentially translates genetic code into real-world information like eye and hair color.

— catherine ho, SFChronicle.com, "Silicon Valley startup that stores DNA expands with Denver acquisition," 28 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.

First Known Use of genetic code

1958

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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GENETIC CODE Defined for Kids

genetic code

noun

Definition of genetic code for Students

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

Medical Dictionary

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

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