Definition of Stop codon
Stop codon: A set of three adjacent bases in the DNA or their complementary bases in messenger RNA that specifies the end of a polypeptide chain.
The three stop codons (in messenger RNA) are UAA, UAG, and UGA. They are also called termination codons or nonsense codons.
U = uracil; A = adenine; G = guanine.Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
Last Editorial Review: 6/14/2012
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