Genetic Code
The set of rules by which sequences of three bases in nucleic acid specify particular amino acids.
Formula / equation
64 codons → 20 amino acids
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Each three-base codon specifies one amino acid, with 61 coding codons and three stop signals. The code is degenerate, since most amino acids have several codons, and it is essentially universal across all life — powerful evidence for a single common ancestor.
Examples in the real world
AUG coding for methionine and acting as the start signal; UAA, UAG and UGA terminating translation.