Biology HL
Biology HL
4
Chapters
553
Notes
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme B - Form & Function
Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence
Theme C - Interaction & Interdependence
Theme D - Continuity & Change
Theme D - Continuity & Change
IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking the Universal Genetic Code's Secrets

Word Count Emoji
516 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 15th Oct 2024

Table of content

The universal genetic code - a language of life

What is the genetic code? 🧬

The genetic code is like the secret language our bodies use to build proteins. Imagine it as the programming language for life; just like you use English to communicate, your cells use the genetic code to 'talk.'

  • Bases in DNA/RNA: The language uses letters called bases. There are 4 types, so combinations of 3 (called codons) make 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 different 'words' or codons.
  • Meanings in the Code: Each of these 64 codons has a specific meaning:
    • Most codons tell the cell to add a specific amino acid (like a building block).
    • One says "Start!" 🚦
    • Three say "Stop!" 🛑

Why is it called universal? 🌍

Almost all living things use this exact code. Imagine if everyone on Earth spoke the exact same language; that's what life on Earth has done with the genetic code! Some small exceptions exist, like one of the 'Stop!' signs changing meaning, but they're rare.

 

Real-World Example: Think about emojis. 🙃 Everyone understands that a smiley face means happiness. It's a universal symbol, just like the genetic code is universal among living organisms.

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IB Resources
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Biology HL
Biology HL

Theme A - Unity & diversity

Unlocking the Universal Genetic Code's Secrets

Word Count Emoji
516 words
Reading Time Emoji
3 mins read
Updated at Emoji
Last edited on 15th Oct 2024

Table of content

The universal genetic code - a language of life

What is the genetic code? 🧬

The genetic code is like the secret language our bodies use to build proteins. Imagine it as the programming language for life; just like you use English to communicate, your cells use the genetic code to 'talk.'

  • Bases in DNA/RNA: The language uses letters called bases. There are 4 types, so combinations of 3 (called codons) make 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 different 'words' or codons.
  • Meanings in the Code: Each of these 64 codons has a specific meaning:
    • Most codons tell the cell to add a specific amino acid (like a building block).
    • One says "Start!" 🚦
    • Three say "Stop!" 🛑

Why is it called universal? 🌍

Almost all living things use this exact code. Imagine if everyone on Earth spoke the exact same language; that's what life on Earth has done with the genetic code! Some small exceptions exist, like one of the 'Stop!' signs changing meaning, but they're rare.

 

Real-World Example: Think about emojis. 🙃 Everyone understands that a smiley face means happiness. It's a universal symbol, just like the genetic code is universal among living organisms.

Unlock the Full Content! File Is Locked Emoji

Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟