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genetic code
noun
: 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
Recent Examples on the Web
Most of us are the product of a single genetic code.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024
The switch of an A to a T in the genetic code for hemoglobin results in a hemoglobin protein with a valine instead of a glutamic acid at the sixth amino acid position.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 8 Dec. 2023
That fact hints at differences in individual biology, determined by each person’s unique genetic code.
—Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 8 Dec. 2023
The Fire-Eye excelled not only at cracking the genetic code for viruses, but also for humans, with machines that can decipher genetic instructions contained within the cells of every person on Earth, according to its Chinese inventors.
—Cate Brown, Washington Post, 21 Sep. 2023
To back up the results, the researchers also analyzed the genetic codes of each spider species.
—Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 20 Dec. 2023
Tome is a genome-editing company, using a novel technique called PASTE that allows scientists to insert large sequences of genetic code without breaking DNA.
—Damian Garde, STAT, 12 Dec. 2023
This means that a person’s ZIP code is often a better predictor of their life expectancy than their genetic code.
—Catherine Brinkley, The Conversation, 29 Aug. 2023
To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. CNN — An international team of scientists mapped nearly the entire human genome for the first time two decades ago, cracking the genetic code of human life.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 13 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'genetic code.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1958, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near genetic code
Cite this Entry
“Genetic code.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/genetic%20code. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.
Kids Definition
genetic code
noun
: the chemical code that is the basis of genetic inheritance and consists of units of three linked chemical groups which specify particular kinds of amino acids used to make proteins or which start or stop the process of making proteins
Medical Definition
genetic code
noun
: 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
genetic coding
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on genetic code
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about genetic code
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