codon

[koh-don]

noun

Genetics.

1. a triplet of adjacent nucleotides in the messenger RNA chain that codes for a specific amino acid in the synthesis of a protein molecule.

codon

/ ˈkəʊdɒn /

noun

1. genetics biochem a unit that consists of three adjacent bases on a DNA molecule and that determines the position of a specific amino acid in a protein molecule during protein synthesis

codon

1. A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides on a strand of a nucleic acid (such as DNA) that constitutes the genetic code for a specific amino acid that is to be added to a polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. Some amino acids are coded for by more than one codon, and some codons do not signal a particular amino acid but rather signal a stop to protein synthesis.

codon

1. A group of three bases on the DNA molecule. Each codon determines the identity of one amino acid in proteins made by the cell.

Word History and Origins

Origin of codon¹

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65; code + -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of codon¹

C20: from _code + _-on

Example Sentences

They designed mRNAs that would prompt cells in a dish to produce a fluorescent protein only if a ribosome “slips” and starts to read the three-letter codons incorrectly, a mistake known as a frameshift.

From Science Magazine

In virtually all organisms, these three stop codons are used to signal the end of a gene.

From Science Daily

So-called transfer RNAs, or tRNAs, read the codons and act on their instructions.

From Science Magazine

Recognizing that trait in each other, Seth and Kimberly bond over their parallel irregularities: his obsession with anagrams and her genetically scrambled codons.

From New York Times

Many such mutations result in what’s called a premature stop codon, which essentially writes ‘The End’ in the middle of the gene’s protein-making instructions.

From Nature