Question

How do stop codons affect translation?

Answer 1

The genetic code has three STOP codons: UAG, UAA, and UGA. Since they do not transcribe for an amino acid, these codons are sometimes known as nonsense codons or termination codons. The three STOP codons are amber (UAG), opal or umber (UGA), and ochre (UAA).

Complete answer:
A stop codon (or termination codon) is a codon (nucleotide triplet inside messenger RNA) that marks the end of the current protein's translation process in molecular biology (particularly protein biosynthesis).

Stop codons cause the ribosome to release the nascent polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. This is due to the lack of tRNAs having anticodons complementary to the STOP codons.

The stop codon signals the conclusion of translation, allowing the polypeptide strand to be released. After the stop codon signals the end of translation, the polypeptide strand is released from the ribosome. You sequence a gene of interest and then isolate the corresponding mRNA.

Note: Amber or UAG was identified by scientists Charles Steinberg and Richard Epstein, who called it after the German meaning of their friend Harris Bernstein's last name. To keep with the colour names concept, the remaining two STOP codons were named Ochre and Opal.