genetic code

the instructions in genes that “tell” the cell how to make specific proteins. The code resides in the sequence of bases occurring as constituents of the genetic material, DNA or RNA. These bases are represented by the letters A, T, G, and C (which stand for adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine, respectively). In messenger RNA, uracil (U) replaces thymine. Each unit, or codon, of the code consists of three consecutive bases. Hence, there are 64 possible triplet combinations of the four bases, which specify the amino acids that make up each protein molecule.

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Psychology term of the day

July 27th 2024

Delphi technique

a method of developing and improving group consensus by eliminating the effects of personal relationships and dominating personalities. Conflict is managed by circulating a questionnaire, which is edited and summarized on the basis of the last round of comments and then reissued for further response by those participating in the survey. The Delphi technique is used in many situations where convergence of opinion is desirable (e.g., for defining goals, setting standards, or identifying and ranking needs and priorities).