codon
UK[ˈkəʊdɒn]US[ˈkoʊdɑːn]
n
A sequence of three nucleotides which together form a unit of genetic code in a DNA or RNA molecule.
Morpheme Breakdown
code
on
code
on
Etymology
The term 'codon' is a modern scientific coinage from the mid-20th century, created to describe a fundamental unit of the genetic code. It is formed by blending the word 'code', referring to the system of genetic instructions, with the suffix '-on', commonly used in biochemistry to denote a basic particle or unit. This construction logically reflects its function: it is the elemental unit (the '-on') that carries the coded information. The word's etymology is entirely modern and transparent, directly linking its form to its function in molecular biology.
Analysis
Structure: code + on
code (from Latin 'codex', meaning a system of symbols for communication) + on (a suffix in biochemistry, often denoting a unit or particle, such as in 'codon', 'operon', 'photon').
Examples
Each codon specifies a particular amino acid to be added during protein synthesis.
A mutation that alters a single codon can significantly change the resulting protein.
The start codon AUG signals the beginning of the translation process.