DNA to mRNA and Protein
This tool converts DNA to mRNA and translates the codons into amino acids. The template strand TAC GGA TCA ATT becomes the mRNA AUG CCU AGU UAA and the chain Met-Pro-Ser, followed by a stop codon. Choose whether you enter the template or the coding strand and whether reading starts at the first AUG.
Source: NHGRI Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms: Codon – three nucleotides; 64 codons, 61 for amino acids and 3 stop signals; GCA = alanine, UAG = stop (read 10.10.2026). Updated: .
How it is calculated
In transcription every DNA base of the template strand is paired with an RNA base: A → U, T → A, G → C, C → G. Translation then reads the mRNA in groups of three bases (codons), each standing for one amino acid or for stop. The pairing rules come from the NHGRI glossary of the US National Institutes of Health: adenine pairs with thymine and cytosine with guanine, and in RNA uracil takes the place of thymine. The codon table is the standard genetic code published by the NCBI.
Examples: template strand to protein
| DNA (template) | mRNA | Amino acids |
|---|---|---|
| TAC GGA TCA ATT | AUG CCU AGU UAA | Met-Pro-Ser |
| TAC AAA CCG ATT | AUG UUU GGC UAA | Met-Phe-Gly |
| TAC CGA TTC ATC | AUG GCU AAG UAG | Met-Ala-Lys |
| TAC CTT GTG ACT | AUG GAA CAC UGA | Met-Glu-His |
If you enter the coding strand instead, the mRNA has the same sequence with U in place of T: ATG CCT AGT TAA gives AUG CCU AGU UAA. The bases are paired in the order you type them. According to OpenStax Biology, mRNA is built in the 5′→3′ direction and the two DNA strands run antiparallel – so enter the template strand from 3′ to 5′ (as TAC … ATT above) and the coding strand from 5′ to 3′; then the codons are read from left to right.
Codons
| Codon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AUG | Met |
| GCA | Ala |
| UUU | Phe |
| UGG | Trp |
| UAA | Stop |
| UAG | Stop |
| UGA | Stop |
- There are 4 × 4 × 4 = 64 codons: according to NHGRI, 61 code for amino acids and 3 are stop signals.
- The NCBI names AUG (methionine) as the start codon; it also lists rare alternative starts, which the tool does not use.
- The standard code is used. Some organisms and mitochondria use other codes, listed separately by the NCBI.
Inheritance of traits is worked out with the Punnett square calculator; powers such as 4³ = 64 with the exponent calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert DNA to mRNA?
From the template strand, pair each base: A becomes U, T becomes A, G becomes C and C becomes G. From the coding strand, simply replace every T with U.
What is the mRNA for TAC GGA TCA ATT?
AUG CCU AGU UAA. It codes for Met-Pro-Ser; UAA is a stop codon.
Which codons are stop codons?
In the standard code UAA, UAG and UGA. Translation ends there.
Why does the protein start with methionine?
The NCBI names AUG as the start codon, and AUG codes for methionine (Met). With “start at the first AUG” the tool looks for it first.
Why does RNA have U instead of T?
According to NHGRI, uracil is one of the four RNA bases and pairs with adenine; in DNA thymine is used in its place.
Sources and legal basis
- NHGRI Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms: Codon – three nucleotides; 64 codons, 61 for amino acids and 3 stop signals; GCA = alanine, UAG = stop (read 10.10.2026)
- NHGRI Talking Glossary: Base Pair – adenine pairs with thymine, cytosine with guanine (read 10.10.2026)
- NHGRI Talking Glossary: Uracil – in RNA uracil pairs with adenine; DNA uses thymine instead (read 10.10.2026)
- NHGRI Talking Glossary: Transcription – making an RNA copy (mRNA) of a gene’s DNA sequence (read 10.10.2026)
- NCBI, The Genetic Codes – 1. The Standard Code (transl_table=1), codon table and initiation codon AUG (read 10.10.2026)
- OpenStax Biology 2e, 14.2 DNA Structure and Sequencing: the two strands are anti-parallel (read 10.10.2026)
- OpenStax Biology 2e, 15.2 Prokaryotic Transcription: mRNA complementary to the template strand, synthesized in the 5′→3′ direction (read 10.10.2026)
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