What does a codon represent in genetic coding?

A codon is a specific sequence of three nucleotides in the DNA or RNA that corresponds to a particular amino acid during the process of translation. Each codon in the genetic code specifies which amino acid will be added next during protein synthesis, which is crucial for building proteins. The unique triplet sequence is able to code for one of the 20 standard amino acids, enabling the translation of the genetic information into functional proteins. This direct relationship between codons and amino acids is fundamental to the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to proteins. Understanding this connection is essential for grasping how genes encode the traits and functions of living organisms.