DNA to mRNA Converter
Transcribe and translate genetic sequences. Enter a DNA sequence to find its complementary DNA strand, transcribed mRNA, and translated amino acid sequence.
Sequence Input
Enter DNA bases (A, T, C, G).
Transcription & Translation
Complementary DNA (3' → 5')
mRNA Sequence (5' → 3')
Protein (Amino Acids)
Expert Tip
By biological convention, translation is initiated at the first start codon (AUG) and continues until a stop codon (UAA, UAG, UGA) is reached.
Methodology & Equations
Transcription
RNA polymerase reads the template strand of DNA in the 3'-to-5' direction and synthesizes a complementary mRNA strand in the 5'-to-3' direction:
- Adenine (A) pairs with Uracil (U) in RNA.
- Thymine (T) pairs with Adenine (A).
- Cytosine (C) pairs with Guanine (G).
- Guanine (G) pairs with Cytosine (C).
Translation
Ribosomes read mRNA sequences in triplets called codons. Each codon specifies a single amino acid:
- **Start Codon:** AUG (Methionine)
- **Stop Codons:** UAA, UAG, UGA
- The genetic code is redundant, meaning multiple codons can code for the same amino acid.
How to Transcribe & Translate DNA: Step-by-Step
Below is a step-by-step example using the DNA sequence 5'-ATG-TTC-TGA-3' (coding strand):
Transcribe to mRNA
If using the coding strand, simply replace all Thymines (T) with Uracils (U).
Result: 5'-AUG-UUC-UGA-3'
Group into Codon Triplets
Split the mRNA sequence into 3-letter groups starting from the 5' end.
Result: Codon 1: AUG, Codon 2: UUC, Codon 3: UGA.
Translate Using the Genetic Codon Chart
Convert the triplets to amino acids:
- AUG → Met (Start)
- UUC → Phe
- UGA → Stop
Final Protein Chain: Met-Phe-[Stop]
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