Cracking the Genetic Code: A Milestone in Biological Science

What led to the breakthrough in cracking the genetic code?

How were researchers able to decipher the genetic code?

Answer:

Researchers were able to decipher the genetic code in the 1960s through groundbreaking experiments led by Marshall Nirenberg and Johann Matthaei.

In the 1960s, Marshall Nirenberg and Johann Matthaei conducted a series of experiments that revolutionized our understanding of genetics. They created synthetic RNA molecules and observed the corresponding protein sequences produced in a bacterial cell-free system. This laid the foundation for constructing a genetic code chart that correlated specific RNA sequences to the amino acids they represent in protein synthesis.

This pivotal discovery, known as "cracking the genetic code," played a crucial role in unraveling the intricacies of how nucleotide sequences in DNA and RNA govern the synthesis of proteins in living organisms. It paved the way for significant advancements in biological science, including genetic engineering and biotechnology.