What is a codon?

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Prepare for your DNA, RNA, Protein and Mutations Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to assist you in acing your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is a codon?

Explanation:
A codon is a three-nucleotide unit in mRNA that specifies a single amino acid to be added during protein synthesis. The ribosome reads mRNA in these triplets, using the genetic code to determine which amino acid to incorporate. Because codons are in RNA, they use uracil (U) instead of thymine (T). While several codons can code for the same amino acid, each codon targets one amino acid (or signals to start/stop translation). The other options describe incorrect premises: a codon is not a triplet that codes for a sugar, not a group of DNA bases, and not a sequence of amino acids.

A codon is a three-nucleotide unit in mRNA that specifies a single amino acid to be added during protein synthesis. The ribosome reads mRNA in these triplets, using the genetic code to determine which amino acid to incorporate. Because codons are in RNA, they use uracil (U) instead of thymine (T). While several codons can code for the same amino acid, each codon targets one amino acid (or signals to start/stop translation). The other options describe incorrect premises: a codon is not a triplet that codes for a sugar, not a group of DNA bases, and not a sequence of amino acids.

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