What is the primary function of the genetic code?

The primary function of the genetic code is to determine the sequence of amino acids in proteins. The genetic code is composed of sequences of nucleotide triplets, called codons, found in DNA and RNA. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. Therefore, the genetic code plays a crucial role in translating the genetic information carried by genes into functional proteins, which are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

While storing genetic information is also an important function of DNA, that aspect pertains to the overall structure and storage of hereditary information rather than the direct function of the genetic code itself. Facilitating cellular respiration and regulating gene expression relate to different biological processes that involve proteins but do not define the primary role of the genetic code. Thus, the most accurate description of what the genetic code primarily does is its role in specifying the sequence of amino acids, which ultimately leads to the formation of proteins within the cell.