What does a codon consist of?

A codon is a specific sequence of three nucleotide bases in DNA or RNA that codes for a particular amino acid during the process of protein synthesis. These three bases are crucial because they correspond to the genetic code—the set of rules used by living cells to translate information encoded in nucleic acids into proteins. Each combination of three nucleotides, or codons, specifies one of the 20 standard amino acids, serving as a fundamental building block in constructing proteins.

This triplet nature of codons is essential for the accurate translation of genetic information, ensuring that the sequences are read correctly during protein synthesis. If codons had a different number of nucleotides, they would either provide too many or too few options to encode all the necessary amino acids, leading to potential errors in protein synthesis and function.