Three-letter segments of mRNA code for specific
amino acids.
The genetic code is translated from mRNA to proteins through the use of codons, which are three-letter segments of mRNA that code for specific amino acids. Each codon specifies one of the 20 standard amino acids or signals the termination of translation. For example, the codon AUG codes for the amino acid methionine, which is often the start codon for protein synthesis. Other codons, such as UAA, UAG, and UGA, are stop codons that signify the end of the protein-coding sequence. By reading the mRNA sequence, ribosomes can accurately interpret the genetic code and assemble the correct sequence of amino acids to form a protein.