The nucleotides in the mRNA are read as triplets and they are called what?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is codons.
Explanation:
In molecular biology, the sequence of nucleotides in mRNA (messenger RNA) is read in groups of three bases, each group known as a codon. A codon consists of three adjacent nucleotides, which are the building blocks of RNA. Each nucleotide in mRNA is one of four types, represented by the letters A (adenine), U (uracil), C (cytosine), and G (guanine). The arrangement of these bases in triplets provides the genetic instructions for building proteins.
Each codon in the mRNA corresponds to a specific amino acid or serves as a stop signal during protein synthesis. The sequence of amino acids forms a protein, which is essential for the structure, function, and regulation of cells. This process is known as translation, which occurs in the ribosome of the cell.
For example, the codon AUG is known as the start codon because it signals the beginning of protein synthesis and codes for the amino acid methionine. In contrast, certain codons, like UAA, UAG, and UGA, are stop codons, which indicate the end of protein synthesis.
The relationship between codons and amino acids is determined by the genetic code, a set of rules that translates mRNA codons into specific amino acids. The genetic code is universal across almost all organisms, with very few exceptions, making it a fundamental aspect of biology.
In summary, codons in mRNA are crucial for protein synthesis, as they direct the sequence of amino acids that form functional proteins. The understanding of codons is key to understanding the molecular processes underlying cellular function and life itself.