start codon

noun

: a genetic codon in messenger RNA that stimulates the binding of a transfer RNA which starts protein synthesis
… the AUG codon for methionine functions as the start codon in the vast majority of mRNAs.Harvey Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology, 6th edition

called also initiation codon

compare stop codon

Dictionary Entries Near start codon

Cite this Entry

“Start codon.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/start%20codon. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!