Amino acids are the building blocks of what, and what codes their sequence?

Amino acids are the fundamental components that make up proteins. The sequence of amino acids in a protein is determined by the genetic information encoded in genes. Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions for building proteins through a process involving transcription and translation. During transcription, the DNA sequence of a gene is converted into messenger RNA (mRNA), which then guides the assembly of amino acids into a protein during translation.

This connection between genetic sequences and the formation of proteins is critical for all biological functions, as proteins play vital roles in structure, function, and regulation within living organisms. Understanding this relationship is essential for fields like biochemistry, molecular biology, and veterinary sciences, where knowledge of protein synthesis is fundamental to studies involving laboratory animals and their care.