noun
- a sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid or signals the start or stop of protein synthesis
Usage: biology; genetics
Examples
- Each codon consists of three consecutive nucleotides.
- The start codon AUG signals the beginning of protein synthesis.
- A stop codon terminates the translation process.
- Scientists study how mutations in codons affect protein production.
- The genetic code uses 64 different codons to specify amino acids.
- Researchers identified which codon was responsible for the genetic disorder.