A stop codon is a specific sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that signals the termination of protein synthesis during translation. These codons are essential for ensuring that proteins are made with the correct length and structure, as they instruct the ribosome to stop adding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain. The presence of stop codons allows for precise regulation and completion of protein synthesis, linking directly to the broader concepts of the genetic code and the flow of information within a cell.
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