The specification of amino acids during protein synthesis relies on codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides (triplets) within messenger RNA (mRNA). Each codon corresponds to a particular amino acid, signaling its incorporation into the growing polypeptide chain. For instance, the codon AUG signals the incorporation of methionine, while other codons specify different amino acids according to the genetic code.
Accurate codon-to-amino acid translation is fundamental to the central dogma of molecular biology, ensuring the faithful transmission of genetic information into functional proteins. Understanding the number of codons required for a given number of amino acids provides a baseline for comprehending the efficiency and potential redundancy within the genetic code. This knowledge is essential for genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and understanding the impact of mutations on protein structure and function.
