DNA's double helix stores genetic code in base pairs (A-T,
C-G). RNA polymerase unzips a section and builds a complementary
mRNA strand (transcription). A ribosome then reads mRNA in
three-base codons, adding one amino acid per codon to a growing
protein chain (translation).
The central dogma (DNA → RNA → protein) is the core
information flow of life: DNA is the permanent archive, mRNA is
a disposable working copy, and the ribosome translates that copy
into a functional protein. The ribosome never reads single
letters — it reads non-overlapping codons, triplets of
three bases, where each codon specifies one amino acid (or a
stop signal) using the genetic code.
- Speed — scales how fast the polymerase/ribosome
moves along the strand.
- 1 / 2 / 3 buttons — jump between the DNA, transcription
and translation stages of the animation.
- Mutation — when enabled, randomly flips the identity
(color) of a base every few seconds, flashes it, and tallies
the event in "Mutations".
- Codon bands — visually groups the DNA base rungs
into alternating triplets so you can see how codons are
read three letters at a time.
Why it matters: a single point mutation can swap one
amino acid for another — the classic example is sickle-cell
anemia, caused by one base change in the hemoglobin gene. The
same DNA→RNA→protein pathway is what mRNA vaccines exploit:
they deliver a synthetic mRNA so your own ribosomes translate
it into a protein that trains the immune system, without ever
touching your DNA.