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During protein synthesis, a sequence of

three bases determines the production of
an amino acid. This sequence is called a

A. DNA molecule
B. Transcription
C. Ribosome
D. Mitochondria
E. Codon

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

A sequence of three mRNA bases that codes for a single amino acid during protein synthesis is called a codon. These codons are crucial elements in the translation process taking place in ribosomes, where they determine the amino acid sequence of proteins.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sequence of three bases in mRNA that determines the production of an amino acid during protein synthesis is known as a codon. During transcription, genetic information is copied from DNA to messenger RNA (mRNA), with the DNA sequence 5'-AATTGCGC-3' being transcribed to the complementary RNA sequence 3'-UUAACGCG-5'. The mRNA then interacts with ribosomes, where translation occurs: here the genetic code is read in 'words' or codons, each consisting of three nucleotide bases that specify a particular amino acid.

The genetic code, which resides in the nucleotide sequence of the mRNA, directly determines the order of amino acids within a protein. This three-nucleotide sequence, called the triplet codon, is crucial in the translation process because each codon corresponds to a single amino acid, contributing to the diverse protein structure and function necessary for life.

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