What does a codon represent in the process of protein synthesis?

A codon plays a crucial role in the process of protein synthesis by representing a three-nucleotide sequence that encodes for a specific amino acid. During translation, the mRNA (messenger RNA) is read by ribosomes in sets of three nucleotides, which are referred to as codons. Each codon corresponds to one of the 20 amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. This means that the arrangement of nucleotides in the mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein, which ultimately defines the protein's structure and function.

The importance of codons lies in their specificity; a certain codon will always code for the same amino acid, thereby ensuring the accuracy of protein synthesis. This precise matching is fundamental to the genetic code, which allows for the production of proteins that are vital for cellular function and overall organismal health. Understanding codons is thus essential for grasping the larger concepts of genetics and molecular biology.