Codons are sequences of three nucleotides on mRNA that specify particular amino acids during protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to one specific amino acid or serves as a start/stop signal.
Related terms
Amino Acid: Building blocks of proteins specified by codons during translation.
Anticodon: Complementary sequence found on tRNA that pairs with the codon during translation.
Start Codon/Stop Codon: Special codons that initiate or terminate protein synthesis, respectively.