Code

The genetic code is the correspondence between the triplet of bases in DNA with the amino acids. The discovery of the genetic code clearly ranks as one of the premiere events of what has been called the Golden Age of Biology (and Medicine).

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1. A set of rules, principles, or ethics. 2. Any system devised to convey information or facilitate communication. 3. Term used in hospitals to describe an emergency requiring situation trained members of the staff, such as a cardiopulmonary resuscitation team, or the signal to summon such a team. 4. A numeric system for ordering and classifying information, e.g., about diagnostic categories. [L. codex, book]

- genetic c. the genetic information carried by the specific DNA molecules of the chromosomes; specifically, the system whereby particular combinations of three consecutive nucleotides in a DNA molecule control the insertion of one particular amino acid in equivalent places in a protein molecule. The genetic c. is almost universal throughout the prokaryotic, plant, and animal kingdoms. There are two known exceptions. In ciliated protozoans, the triplets AGA and AGG are read as termination signals instead of as l-arginine. This is also true of the human mitochondrial c., which, in addition, uses AUA as a c. for l-methionine (instead of isoleucine) and UGA for l-tryptophan (instead of a termination signal).

- soundex c. a sequence of letters used for recording names phonetically, especially in record linkage.

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code 'kōd n

1) GENETIC CODE

2) CODE BLUE

code vb, cod·ed; cod·ing vt to specify the genetic code for <an amino acid coded by a nucleotide sequence> vi

1) to specify the genetic code <the DNA sequence of the gene that \codes for that protein (Gina B. Kolata)>

2) to experience cardiac arrest or respiratory failure <the patient coded a second time>

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(kōd) [L. codex something written] 1. a set of rules governing one's conduct. 2. a system by which information can be communicated.