TERMINATION CODON Meaning and
Definition
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Termination codon refers to a specific sequence of three nucleotides within a DNA or mRNA molecule that signals the termination or end of protein synthesis during translation. Also known as stop codons or nonsense codons, termination codons are the signals that instruct the ribosome to halt the addition of amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain and release the protein.
There are three termination codons: UAA, UAG, and UGA. These codons do not code for any amino acid and instead act as stop signals in the genetic code. When a ribosome encounters a termination codon, it recognizes it through specific termination factors and subsequently releases the newly synthesized protein.
It is important to note that termination codons are not recognized by tRNA molecules that bring amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Instead, they are recognized by proteins called release factors. These release factors promote the release of the polypeptide chain from the ribosome and disassemble the ribosomal subunits.
The termination codon plays a crucial role in preventing the translation of nonsense or nonfunctional proteins. Without the presence of a termination codon, the ribosome would continue to elongate the protein indefinitely, resulting in a nonfunctional or toxic product. Therefore, the proper recognition and usage of termination codons are essential for accurate protein synthesis and cellular function.
Common Misspellings for TERMINATION CODON
- rermination codon
- fermination codon
- germination codon
- yermination codon
- 6ermination codon
- 5ermination codon
- twrmination codon
- tsrmination codon
- tdrmination codon
- trrmination codon
- t4rmination codon
- t3rmination codon
- teemination codon
- tedmination codon
- tefmination codon
- tetmination codon
- te5mination codon
- te4mination codon
- ternination codon
- terkination codon
Etymology of TERMINATION CODON
The word "termination" originates from the Latin word "terminus", meaning "end" or "limit". In the context of genetics and molecular biology, a termination codon is a sequence of three nucleotides found in DNA or RNA molecules. It signals the end of protein synthesis or transcription. The term "codon" comes from the combination of "code" and "on", as it refers to the specific genetic code carried by a sequence of three nucleotides that correspond to a particular amino acid or a signal for termination.
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