A triplet of mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal.
The third base of a codon often tolerates changes (wobble), so many mutations at this position are silent. Codons such as UUU code for phenylalanine, and AUG for methionine.
Codon usage varies among species and affects translation speed, important when designing synthetic genes.
A triplet of mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal.
Codon is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Wobble Hypothesis, Translation, Genetic Code.
Changing UAU (tyrosine) to UAA creates a stop codon.
Codon is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Molecular Biology that pair well with it include Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing.
The closest topics to Codon are Wobble Hypothesis, Translation, Genetic Code, Transfer RNA. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Codon. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Codon: A triplet of mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal. Wobble Hypothesis: Flexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Wobble Hypothesis and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Flexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons.
🧫 Molecular BiologyRibosomes read the mRNA codons to assemble amino acids into a protein.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe set of three-base codons that specify amino acids; it is nearly universal across life.
🧫 Molecular BiologySmall RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome.
🧫 Molecular Biology