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. Compare anticodon ( def ).

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

/ kō′dŏn′ /

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

Because of the synonymous codons, the same protein still gets made, just more accurately, Willis says.

From Science Magazine

Ciliates are hotspots for genetic code changes, including reassignment of one or more stop codons -- the codons TAA, TAG, and TGA.

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