Codon

Definition

Codons are sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA that specify particular amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to one specific amino acid or serves as a start/stop signal.

Related terms

Amino Acid:

Building blocks of proteins specified by codons during translation.

Anticodon:

Complementary sequence found on tRNA that pairs with the codon during translation.

Start Codon/Stop Codon: Special codons that initiate or terminate protein synthesis, respectively.