TERMINATION CODONS Meaning and
Definition
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Termination codons, also known as stop codons or nonsense codons, are specific sequences of nucleotides that are found in the genetic code of organisms. They are signals for the termination or ending of protein synthesis during translation. These codons do not encode any amino acids but prompt the ribosome to release the newly synthesized polypeptide chain and detach it from the mRNA template.
In the standard genetic code, there are three termination codons: UAA (ochre), UAG (amber), and UGA (opal). These codons are recognized by release factors, proteins that bind to the ribosome when a termination codon is encountered. The binding of release factors triggers a series of events leading to the disassembly of the ribosome complex and the release of the polypeptide.
Termination codons play a crucial role in ensuring the correct and precise synthesis of proteins. They act as "end-of-message" signals, preventing the ribosome from incorporating additional amino acids beyond the intended length of the protein. This ensures that proteins are synthesized with the correct composition and structure.
Mutations or disruptions in termination codons can have severe consequences, as they can result in prematurely terminated proteins or readthrough events, where translation continues beyond the necessary length. These abnormalities can lead to dysfunctional proteins, which may have deleterious effects on cellular processes and organismal development. Hence, termination codons are essential components of the genetic code, contributing to the accuracy and fidelity of protein synthesis.
Common Misspellings for TERMINATION CODONS
- rermination codons
- fermination codons
- germination codons
- yermination codons
- 6ermination codons
- 5ermination codons
- twrmination codons
- tsrmination codons
- tdrmination codons
- trrmination codons
- t4rmination codons
- t3rmination codons
- teemination codons
- tedmination codons
- tefmination codons
- tetmination codons
- te5mination codons
- te4mination codons
- ternination codons
- terkination codons
Etymology of TERMINATION CODONS
The term "Termination Codons" is a combination of the words "termination" and "codons".
1. Termination: The word "termination" comes from the Latin word "terminare", which means "to set boundaries" or "to end". In the context of genetics, termination refers to the process of stopping or ending the translation of an mRNA molecule during protein synthesis.
2. Codons: Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that specify particular amino acids or indicate the termination of translation. These sequences act as instructions for the ribosomes to assemble the correct protein.
When combined, "termination codons" thus refer to the specific nucleotide sequences in mRNA that signal the end of protein synthesis during translation.
