What is the Difference Between Base Sequence and Amino Acid Sequence?

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The main difference between base sequence and amino acid sequence lies in their composition and function.

  • Base sequence: Refers to the sequence of nucleotide bases in a DNA or RNA molecule. It is responsible for the formation of either DNA or RNA, which are essential components of the genetic code.
  • Amino acid sequence: Refers to the arrangement of amino acids in a protein. It is responsible for the formation of the primary structure of a functional protein, which is important for various biological functions.

Furthermore, there are four different types of nucleotides in a base sequence, while there are twenty different amino acids in an amino acid sequence. In the protein-coding region of a gene, the DNA sequence is interpreted in groups of three nucleotide bases called codons, which specify a single amino acid in a protein.

In summary, base sequences and amino acid sequences are two related sequences that serve different functions in the genetic code:

  • Base sequences are the strings of monomers of DNA or RNA, containing the genetic code of the amino acid sequence.
  • Amino acid sequences are the strings of amino acids of a protein, formed through the translation of the genetic code in base sequences.

Comparative Table: Base Sequence vs Amino Acid Sequence

The difference between base sequence and amino acid sequence can be summarized as follows:

Feature Base Sequence Amino Acid Sequence
Definition Base sequence refers to the sequence of nucleotide bases in a DNA or RNA molecule. Amino acid sequence refers to the arrangement of amino acids in a protein.
Type of Macromolecular Formation Base sequence is responsible for the formation of either DNA or RNA. Amino acid sequence is responsible for the formation of the primary structure of a protein.
Type of Bond Formation Base sequence consists of nucleotides covalently bonded to adjacent nucleotides. Amino acid sequence consists of amino acids covalently bonded to adjacent amino acids.
Number of Types There are four different types of nucleotides in a base sequence. There are twenty different amino acids in an amino acid sequence.
Codons Each grouping of three DNA nucleotide bases is a code for a specific amino acid. The amino acid sequence is the key factor that determines the structure and function of a protein.

In summary, the base sequence is the sequence of nucleotide bases in a DNA or RNA molecule, while the amino acid sequence is the arrangement of amino acids in a protein. The base sequence determines the amino acid sequence, which ultimately gives a specific protein.