How to Use the DNA to Protein Translator
Step 1: Enter your DNA coding sequence. It should ideally start with ATG (start codon) and contain complete codons.
Step 2: Select the reading frame. Frame +1 reads from the very first base which is standard for sequences starting with ATG.
Step 3: Choose your output format â single letter, three letter, or both.
Step 4: Click Translate to Protein. Translation stops at the first stop codon (TAA, TAG, or TGA).
How DNA Translation Works
DNA translation is the process of reading a DNA sequence in groups of three bases called codons. Each codon corresponds to one amino acid in the genetic code. Translation starts at ATG (Methionine) and ends at a stop codon.
DNA: 5' ATG AAA GCA ATT TGA 3'
â â â â â
AA: Met Lys Ala Ile STOP
1-letter: M K A I *
// Start codon: ATG = Methionine (M)
// Stop codons: TAA, TAG, TGA = * (stop)
Stop Codons
There are three stop codons in the standard genetic code â TAA (Ochre), TAG (Amber), and TGA (Opal). When the ribosome encounters any of these codons translation terminates and the protein is released.
Reading Frames
Any DNA sequence has three possible reading frames depending on where you start reading. Frame +1 starts at position 1, Frame +2 starts at position 2, and Frame +3 starts at position 3. The correct reading frame is determined by the start codon ATG.