trinukleotidi

A trinucleotide is a sequence of three nucleotides. Nucleotides are the basic building blocks of nucleic acids like DNA and RNA, each consisting of a nitrogenous base, a five-carbon sugar, and one or more phosphate groups. In the context of genetics, trinucleotides play a crucial role in the process of translation, where the genetic code is read.

The genetic code is a series of trinucleotides, known as codons, that specify amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Each codon is read by ribosomes, and a specific sequence of codons dictates the order in which amino acids are assembled into a protein chain. For instance, the codon AUG signals the start of protein synthesis and also codes for the amino acid methionine.

In addition to their role in protein synthesis, certain trinucleotide sequences are also associated with genetic disorders. Repeat expansions, where a specific trinucleotide sequence is repeated an abnormal number of times, can lead to a variety of inherited diseases. Examples include Huntington's disease, fragile X syndrome, and myotonic dystrophy. The exact mechanism by which these expansions cause disease varies, but often involves altered protein function or gene expression. The study of trinucleotide repeats is an active area of research in genetics and molecular biology.