The Genetic Code DNA is like a code, which contains the information for all life. It codes for millions of different proteins, which are what form the structure and function of the body. They are Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine. These letters are arranged in three-letter words, known as codons. Each codon codes for one of the 20 amino acids.
Amino acids are the basic building blocks of protein.
Proteins are long strings of amino acids, which twist and fold up against themselves to form complex shapes. Most amino acids have several different codons which can code for them. Some amino acids have only one possible codon. Just like words in a real sentence, the words in the DNA code require punctuation in order to make sense. These are like full stops at the end of a sentence.