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What does the genetic code refer to?

  1. The arrangement of chromosomes in a cell

  2. The instructions for protein synthesis in DNA

  3. The sequence of amino acids in a protein

  4. The total number of genes in an organism

The correct answer is: The instructions for protein synthesis in DNA

The genetic code refers to the set of rules by which information encoded in the DNA is translated into proteins in living organisms. It specifically outlines how sequences of nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA) correspond to specific amino acids, which are the constituents of proteins. This translation process is essential for the synthesis of proteins that perform a vast array of functions within the cell. The correct answer highlights that the genetic code contains the instructions necessary for protein synthesis, reflecting the relationship between DNA and the production of proteins, which are crucial for the structure and function of all living organisms. This means that without the genetic code, cells would not know how to construct proteins based on their DNA sequences, which ultimately drives cellular activity and the overall functioning of an organism.