Base sequence

Base Sequence is a term used in molecular biology and genetics to describe the order of nucleotides in a DNA or RNA molecule. The base sequence of a DNA or RNA molecule is fundamental to its function and is the genetic code that determines the characteristics of a living organism.

Overview

The base sequence in a DNA molecule consists of four different types of nucleotides: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C). In RNA molecules, thymine is replaced by uracil (U). The order of these bases is what determines the genetic code. For example, the sequence ATCG in a DNA molecule would code for a different set of amino acids than the sequence TAGC.

Importance

The base sequence is crucial for the function of DNA and RNA molecules. It determines the order of amino acids in a protein, which in turn determines the protein's function. Changes in the base sequence, known as mutations, can lead to changes in the protein and potentially cause diseases such as cancer.

Sequencing

Determining the base sequence of a DNA or RNA molecule is known as sequencing. There are several methods for sequencing, including Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing. These methods have allowed scientists to sequence the entire human genome, leading to significant advances in our understanding of human biology and disease.

See also

• Genetic code
• DNA sequencing
• RNA sequencing
• Mutation