The genetic code in the DNA molecule is found in the sequence of nucleotides. Specifically, the sequence of the four nucleotide bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)—determines the genetic information. This sequence is what codes for proteins.
Proteins are synthesized based on the instructions provided by these nucleotide sequences. The process begins with transcription, where a segment of DNA is copied into messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA then travels to the ribosome, where it is translated into a protein. Each set of three nucleotides, known as a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.
In summary, the part of the DNA molecule that contains the genetic code is the sequence of nucleotide bases. This sequence is crucial for coding the proteins that perform various functions in the body.