Question

Describe what is meant by reading frame and how it is specified.

Answer 1

Reading frame is defined as a process or method of division of nucleotide sequences in DNA or RNA molecule into set of triplets. triplets are consecutive and non-overlapping. these triplets are known as codons in the translation process where they code for amino acids.

single stranded DNA or RNA molecule has a 5' phosphoryl end and a 3' hydroxyl end. it defines 5' → 3′ direction. in double-stranded DNA or RNA molecule, reading frames can also be read from the other strand i.e. complementary strand in the same direction i.e. 5′→3′ direction.