codon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Technical/SpecializedFormal, scientific, academic
Quick answer
What does “codon” mean?
A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid or signals the start/stop of protein synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid or signals the start/stop of protein synthesis.
The fundamental unit of the genetic code; a triplet in a nucleic acid sequence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The concept is identical and used identically in scientific discourse worldwide.
Connotations
None beyond its technical meaning.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in relevant scientific contexts in both regions. Unknown to the general public.
Grammar
How to Use “codon” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] codon [VERB]A codon [for] [AMINO ACID]Mutation [in/of] the codonVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in biology, genetics, and biochemistry textbooks and research papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare outside of educational or popular science contexts.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Essential terminology in molecular biology labs, bioinformatics software, and pharmaceutical research.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “codon”
- Mispronouncing it as /koʊˈdɒn/ (stress on second syllable).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'The gene codons for a protein').
- Confusing it with 'codling' (a small cod) or 'cordon' (a barrier).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, codons are found in both DNA and its transcribed messenger RNA (mRNA). The genetic code is read from mRNA during protein synthesis.
There are 64 possible codons (4 nucleotide options ^ 3 positions), which code for 20 standard amino acids and stop signals.
Yes, this is known as the degeneracy or redundancy of the genetic code. For example, leucine is coded by six different codons.
The standard genetic code is nearly universal, meaning most codons have the same meaning across all life forms, with very minor variations in some mitochondria and protozoa.
A sequence of three nucleotides in DNA or RNA that codes for a specific amino acid or signals the start/stop of protein synthesis.
Codon is usually formal, scientific, academic in register.
Codon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.dɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.dɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a secret CODE that is written with three letters: CO-DE-ON becomes CODON.
Conceptual Metaphor
A three-letter word in the language of DNA.
Practice
Quiz
What does a 'stop codon' signal?