The genetic code contains rules for translating genetic information in DNA into proteins. It uses triplet codons where each codon specifies a single amino acid. The code is degenerate, with more than one codon coding for an amino acid. It is non-overlapping and non-ambiguous, with each codon corresponding to only one amino acid. Translation proceeds continuously in a 5' to 3' direction, with AUG always initiating protein synthesis and specifying methionine.

1. Genetic Code The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material is translated into proteins by living cells. The information in DNA is in the form of triplet codons. It is first transcribed into RNA and then into proteins. Every triplet codon in the DNA specifies one amino acid in the protein.

2. Continuous Translation The gene is transcribed and translated continuously from a fixed starting point to a fixed stop point. Punctuations are not present between the codons.

3. Degeneracy of Genetic Code In the genetic code there are 64 codons. Three of them are stop codons (UAA, UAG & UGA). Remaining 61 codons code for 20 amino acids. Thus there are more than one codon for one amino acid. This is called degeneracy of genetic code.

4. Non Overlapping One base cannot participate in the formation of more than one codon This means that the code is non-overlapping.

5. Non-Ambiguous The genetic code is non-ambiguous. Thus one codon cannot specify more than one amino acid.

6. Genetic Code The genetic code has polarity. It’s always translated in the 5’ to 3’ direction.

7. Genetic Code AUG is the initiation codon. It codes for the first amino acid in all proteins. At the starting point it codes for methionine in eukaryotes and formyl methionine in prokaryotes.