Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
start-codon
Noun
/stɑrt ˈkɒdɒn/
Definition
A sequence of nucleotides in messenger RNA that marks the starting point of protein synthesis.
Examples
- The start codon AUG specifically codes for the amino acid methionine.
- In genetic engineering, understanding the start codon can aid in designing more effective genes.
Meaning
The start codon is crucial in the process of translation; it signals the ribosome to begin translating the mRNA into an amino acid chain.
Synonyms
- Initiation codon
- Start signal
