Final answer:
The stop codons are UGA, UAA, and UAG; they signal the end of protein synthesis and do not code for any amino acid. They are essential for the correct termination of the translation process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stop codons are UGA, UAA, and UAG. These codons signal the termination of protein synthesis within a cell. When the ribosome encounters any of these codons during the process of translation, it recognizes that the protein is complete, and the newly synthesized polypeptide chain is released. The stop codons are also referred to as nonsense codons because they do not correspond to any amino acids. Each of these codons plays a crucial role in ensuring that proteins are made accurately and stop at the correct point.
In addition to these stop codons, the AUG codon has a special function as it serves as the start codon and also specifies the amino acid methionine. It is important to note that the genetic code is universal, meaning that these codons have the same function in nearly all living organisms.