What does the genetic code determine?

The genetic code is fundamental to the process of protein synthesis in cells. It is a set of rules that defines how the sequence of nucleotides in DNA corresponds to the sequence of amino acids in proteins. Each group of three nucleotides, known as a codon, corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during the translation process. Thus, the genetic code directly determines the sequence of amino acids, which in turn dictates the structure and function of the proteins being synthesized.

Proteins play a critical role in virtually all biological processes, and their unique sequences dictate how they fold and function. This is why understanding the genetic code is essential for grasping how genes influence biological activities. The other options, while related to cellular functions and activities, do not directly pertain to the role of the genetic code in determining protein structure.