TERMINATOR CODONS Meaning and
Definition
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Terminator codons are specific sequences of nucleotides found within DNA or RNA that act as signals to terminate protein synthesis during the process of translation. Also known as stop codons or nonsense codons, they play a crucial role in the regulation and termination of protein production.
There are three main terminator codons: UAG (amber), UAA (ochre), and UGA (opal). These codons do not code for any amino acids and instead serve as a command for the ribosomes – the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis – to halt translation and release the completed protein chain.
When a ribosome encounters a terminator codon in the mRNA strand being translated, it recognizes it as a termination signal. This triggers the detachment of the growing polypeptide chain from the ribosome, allowing it to fold into its functional confirmation and be transported to its designated cellular location. Additionally, the ribosome disassembles itself from the mRNA template and is ready to initiate translation again.
Terminator codons play a vital role in ensuring the correct length and composition of proteins, as well as in preventing the synthesis of truncated or malfunctioning proteins. Mutations or alterations in terminator codons can lead to genetic disorders or abnormal protein production. Therefore, terminator codons are essential elements of the genetic code that contribute to the accuracy and regulation of protein synthesis.
Common Misspellings for TERMINATOR CODONS
- rerminator codons
- ferminator codons
- germinator codons
- yerminator codons
- 6erminator codons
- 5erminator codons
- twrminator codons
- tsrminator codons
- tdrminator codons
- trrminator codons
- t4rminator codons
- t3rminator codons
- teeminator codons
- tedminator codons
- tefminator codons
- tetminator codons
- te5minator codons
- te4minator codons
- terninator codons
- terkinator codons
Etymology of TERMINATOR CODONS
The term "Terminator Codons" is derived from the combination of two words: "terminator" and "codons".
The word "terminator" originates from the Latin word "terminātor", which means "a finisher" or "an ender". In genetics, terminators refer to specific DNA sequences that mark the end of a gene or a coding region. These regions signal the termination of transcription or translation processes in the genetic code.
The term "codon" comes from the fusion of two words: "code" and "nucleotide". It refers to a sequence of three nucleotides (the building blocks of DNA and RNA) that together determine a specific amino acid or act as a signal for starting or stopping protein synthesis. Codons are vital in the translation of genetic information from DNA to proteins.
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