Outline the relationship between the genetic code and the structure of a protein (2 marks)

The genetic code is the set of rules by which information encoded in genetic material (DNA or mRNA sequences) is translated into proteins (amino acid sequences) by living cells. Each three-nucleotide sequence (codon) in the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal.

The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by the sequence of codons in the mRNA, which is in turn determined by the sequence of nucleotides in the DNA. This sequence of amino acids determines the structure of the protein, as each amino acid has specific properties and interactions with other amino acids. Therefore, the genetic code directly influences the structure of a protein.