codon

codon /co·don/ (ko´don) a series of three adjacent bases in one polynucleotide chain of a DNA or RNA molecule, which codes for a specific amino acid.

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co·don (kdn)

n.

A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides constituting the genetic code that specifies the insertion of an amino acid in a specific structural position in a polypeptide chain during the synthesis of proteins.

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codon

a triplet in a chain of nucleic acids in mRNA that specifies the order in which amino acids are added. The codon triplet pairs with a sequence of three complementary nucleotides, called the anticodon, present in the anticodon arm of tRNA. Called also triplet. See also deoxyribonucleic acid.

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start codon

see initiation codon.

stop c's

three codons, UAG, UAA and UGA, also referred to as amber, ochre and opal codons, in mRNA which terminate translation.

termination codon

see stop codons (above).