What do genes determine in relation to proteins?

Genes play a fundamental role in determining the specific sequence of amino acids that are included in a protein. This sequence is crucial because it dictates how the protein will fold and function. The information encoded in a gene is transcribed into messenger RNA (mRNA), which is then translated into a chain of amino acids. The identity and order of these amino acids are directly influenced by the sequence of nucleotides in the gene. Therefore, understanding that genes determine which amino acids are included in a protein clarifies the connection between genetic information and protein synthesis.

While other aspects such as the shape and structure of the protein, the rate of protein synthesis, and the localization of proteins within the cell are also important biological concepts, they are either the result of the amino acid sequence or influenced by factors beyond the genetic code itself. The amino acid sequence is the primary determinant of a protein’s final form and function, establishing it as the foundation for understanding protein biology.