Stop codon

Pronunciation
/STOP koh-don/
Category
Molecular Biology
Singular
Stop codon
Plural
Stop codons

Definition

A triplet of nucleotides (codon) in mRNA that signals the termination of protein synthesis.

Etymology

From the fact that these codons signal the stop of translation.

Example

The presence of a stop codon in mRNA triggers the release of the newly synthesized protein.

Related Terms

  • Translation
  • mRNA
  • Ribosome
  • Protein synthesis