A computational tool that translates a sequence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) into its corresponding amino acid sequence, also known as a protein sequence. These instruments commonly accept a DNA sequence as input, then, using the genetic code, determine the series of amino acids that would be produced during protein synthesis. For example, if a DNA sequence is “ATG-GGC-TTA”, the resulting amino acid sequence, using standard genetic code translation, would be Methionine-Glycine-Leucine.
Such a resource is crucial for various research and practical applications. It allows researchers to predict the protein sequence encoded by a gene, which is fundamental for understanding protein function and structure. Furthermore, these instruments can expedite the process of identifying potential therapeutic targets or engineering novel proteins for specific purposes. Historically, determining a protein sequence from DNA was a laborious process; these resources streamline and automate this critical step, accelerating scientific discovery.