Codon

Pronunciation
/KOH-don/
Category
Molecular Biology
Singular
Codon
Plural
Codons

Definition

A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.

Etymology

From Greek 'kodion', meaning 'short section'.

Example

The codon AUG codes for the amino acid methionine.

Related Terms

  • Genetic Code
  • Translation
  • Amino Acid