What is a codon?

A codon is defined as a sequence in RNA that specifies an amino acid. This is a fundamental concept in molecular biology, as codons are critical for the process of translation, where messenger RNA (mRNA) is read by ribosomes to synthesize proteins. Each codon consists of three nucleotides, and each unique combination corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis.

The significance of codons extends to understanding genetic coding and the translation of genetic information into functional proteins. By determining which amino acids are incorporated into a protein, codons influence the characteristics and functions of that protein.

Consequently, recognizing the role of codons is essential for comprehending how genetic information translates into biological functions, which is a key aspect of both genetics and biochemistry. This makes option B the correct choice as it accurately captures the definition and role of a codon within the context of molecular biology.