User:Caleb Dulaney/The Meaning of Being in Frame

As you probably know, when DNA is translated into proteins, three bases code for a single amino acid.  Generally, genetic sequence begins with a start sequence(usually ATG).  DNA is then read from there to produce the corresponding amino acids.  Beginning with the start sequence, there are three possible starting points corresponding to the three bases in the start sequence.  Therefore, we call these three possibilities '''reading frames'''.  Being "in frame" means that the sequence of DNA you put into a vector aligns correctly with the desired reading frame.  Thus, a certain number of bases may be added to your sequence as primers to correctly position your sequence in the DNA so that when read in that frame, the sequence makes sense.  You also have to place it correctly according to the restriction enzyme sites in the vector used.