Entity: CODON
A codon is a specific sequence of three nucleotides that plays a crucial role in genetic coding, determining the amino acids in proteins or signaling the start or end of protein synthesis.
CODON
Etymology
The term 'codon' is derived from a combination of 'code' and 'nucleotide.'
Definition
A codon is a specific sequence of three nucleotides that serves as a key component of the genetic code. It determines the amino acids in proteins or acts as a signal to start or stop protein synthesis.
Historical Context
Codons were first discovered in the 1960s during research on the genetic code and have since become a fundamental concept in molecular biology.
Cultural Significance
Codons are essential for understanding genetic information and the processes of protein synthesis, playing a crucial role in various fields such as genetics, biotechnology, and medicine.
Related Concepts
Codons are closely related to the genetic code, which is a set of rules used by cells to translate DNA or RNA sequences into proteins.
See Also
A fundamental genetic unit consisting of three nucleotides that directs the synthesis of amino acids in proteins or controls the termination of protein production.