AMBIGUOUS CODON Meaning and
Definition
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An ambiguous codon refers to a specific sequence of three nucleotides (a unit of genetic material) found in DNA or RNA that can code for more than one amino acid during protein synthesis. The term "codon" represents the basic building block of the genetic code, consisting of three bases that correspond to a specific amino acid or serve as stop signals. However, in some cases, certain codons may have dual meanings and can be interpreted in more than one way, giving rise to ambiguity.
This ambiguity arises due to the degeneracy of the genetic code. Since there are 20 amino acids but only 4 nucleotide bases, multiple codons can code for the same amino acid. For instance, the codons UUU and UUC both specify the amino acid phenylalanine. This redundancy is typically considered advantageous as it allows for error correction during translation and protects against harmful mutations.
Nevertheless, some codons can confuse the decoding machinery within cells, leading to ambiguity in the amino acid sequence incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain. These ambiguous codons are relatively rare but can arise in some organisms or as a result of specific genetic mutations. Researchers have identified certain tRNA molecules and enzymes involved in translation that can contribute to the interpretation of ambiguous codons, ensuring accurate protein synthesis.
The study of ambiguous codons plays a crucial role in understanding the genetic code and its variations between different organisms. It also contributes to fields such as molecular biology and genetic engineering, where fine-tuning or reprogramming the codon usage can be employed for diverse applications such as optimizing protein expression or designing synthetic genes.
Common Misspellings for AMBIGUOUS CODON
- zmbiguous codon
- smbiguous codon
- wmbiguous codon
- qmbiguous codon
- anbiguous codon
- akbiguous codon
- ajbiguous codon
- amviguous codon
- amniguous codon
- amhiguous codon
- amgiguous codon
- ambuguous codon
- ambjguous codon
- ambkguous codon
- amboguous codon
- amb9guous codon
- amb8guous codon
- ambifuous codon
- ambivuous codon
- ambibuous codon
Etymology of AMBIGUOUS CODON
The etymology of the word "ambiguous codon" can be understood by examining the roots of its components.
1. Ambiguous: The term "ambiguous" originates from the Latin word "ambiguus", which means "having two meanings" or "uncertain". It is derived from the verb "ambigere", which means "to wander" or "to be in doubt".
2. Codon: The word "codon" is a combination of "c(o)-" and "-don". "C(o)-" is derived from "codos", a Greek word meaning "an angle" or "a joint". "-Don" originates from the Greek word "odon", which means "tooth". In biological terms, a codon represents a specific sequence of three nucleotides (building blocks of DNA or RNA) that code for a particular amino acid or serve as stop signals in protein synthesis.
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