Final answer:
A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on DNA or RNA that specifies the synthesis of a particular amino acid, being an integral part of the genetic code used during protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific sequence of three adjacent nucleotides on a strand of DNA or RNA that specifies the genetic code information for synthesizing a particular amino acid is known as a codon. In the context of mRNA, a codon is a consecutive sequence of three nucleotides that corresponds to a specific amino acid. This codon is read in a 5' to 3' direction and is vital for the process of translating the genetic code into functional proteins. Each codon is matched with an amino acid or serves as a stop signal during the protein synthesis process.
The genetic code is composed of such codons, where each set of three nucleotides, known as a triplet, translates to a specific amino acid in the protein being synthesized. The precise sequence of codons in mRNA determines the order of amino acids in the protein, which ultimately dictates the protein's structure and function.
It's important to note that although DNA contains the genetic instructions, it is the messenger RNA (mRNA) that carries these instructions from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome, where proteins are assembled. During this process, DNA ligase, DNA polymerase, and the double helix structure of DNA play critical roles in accurately copying and conveying the genetic information.