Here's a breakdown of how it works:
* Genes are segments of DNA: They contain the instructions for building a specific protein.
* Genes are transcribed into mRNA: A copy of the gene's DNA sequence is made in the form of messenger RNA (mRNA).
* mRNA is translated into protein: The mRNA travels to ribosomes, where the genetic code is read and used to assemble amino acids into a protein chain.
Within a gene, the specific sequence of nucleotides (A, T, C, and G) determines the amino acid sequence of the protein:
* Codons: Groups of three nucleotides, called codons, within the mRNA sequence specify which amino acid should be added to the growing protein chain.
* Genetic code: There is a specific genetic code that translates codons into amino acids.
Therefore, the gene's DNA sequence, ultimately expressed in the mRNA, determines the amino acid sequence of the protein.
