Codon

Definition

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a single amino acid or a termination signal during protein synthesis. Codons are fundamental in the translation process, as they determine the sequence of amino acids that will form a protein, ultimately influencing the protein's structure and function. Each codon corresponds to specific amino acids or signals, enabling the accurate translation of genetic information from RNA to protein.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are 64 possible codons in the genetic code, consisting of 61 codons that specify amino acids and 3 stop codons that signal the termination of protein synthesis.
2. The genetic code is nearly universal, meaning that most organisms use the same codon-to-amino acid mapping, which highlights the commonality of life on Earth.
3. Codons can be redundant, with multiple codons coding for the same amino acid; this feature is known as degeneracy and helps minimize the effects of mutations.
4. During translation, ribosomes read the mRNA in sets of three nucleotides (codons), and tRNA molecules bring the corresponding amino acids to form polypeptide chains.
5. The first codon in an mRNA sequence is usually an AUG codon, which serves as the start signal for translation and codes for the amino acid methionine.

Review Questions

• How do codons function in the process of translation and what role do they play in determining protein structure?
  • Codons function by providing the specific instructions needed to assemble amino acids into proteins during translation. Each codon corresponds to an amino acid or a termination signal, guiding ribosomes in linking the correct amino acids together to form a polypeptide chain. The order of codons on the mRNA dictates the sequence of amino acids, ultimately influencing the protein's structure and function.
• What is the significance of redundancy in the genetic code concerning codons, and how does it affect mutation impact?
  • Redundancy in the genetic code means that multiple codons can specify the same amino acid. This feature is significant because it provides a buffer against mutations; if a change occurs in one codon, it might still code for the same amino acid, potentially preventing harmful effects on protein synthesis. This redundancy helps maintain protein function even when slight changes happen in DNA or RNA sequences.
• Evaluate how understanding codons has influenced advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering.
  • Understanding codons has been crucial for advances in biotechnology and genetic engineering as it allows scientists to manipulate genetic information precisely. By knowing how specific sequences translate into proteins, researchers can design synthetic genes or modify existing ones to produce desired traits or proteins. This knowledge underpins techniques like CRISPR for genome editing and helps develop therapies for genetic disorders by correcting faulty genes or designing new proteins for medical applications.

Related terms

mRNA: Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

amino acid: Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins; they are linked together by peptide bonds in a specific sequence determined by codons.

anticodon: An anticodon is a set of three nucleotides on a tRNA molecule that is complementary to a corresponding codon on mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added during protein synthesis.