What is a codon in biology?

A sequence of DNA or RNA mainly composed of three nucleotides forming a unit together is called a codon in molecular biology.This nucleotide sequence corresponds with the specific amino acid or as a stop signal to stop the process of protein synthesis. Total 20 amino acids are present in nature and each of these 20 amino acids are coded by a specific three nucleotide sequence i.e codon.

Four nucleotides -A,T,G and C are coded by three base pairs to compensate for the 20 amino acids.

FAQs on ​What is a codon in biology?

Q. What is a codon example?

Ans. A sequence of DNA or RNA mainly composed of three nucleotides forming a unit together is called a codon in molecular biology.This nucleotide sequence corresponds with the specific amino acid or as a stop signal to stop the process of protein synthesis. Total 20 amino acids are present in nature and each of these 20 amino acids are coded by a specific three nucleotide sequence i.e codon.

Four nucleotides -A,T,G and C are coded by three base pairs to compensate for the 20 amino acids.

Example: AUG is a codon which codes for methionine and acts as a start codon, UAA,UGA and UAG are three stop codon to stop the process of protein synthesis.