What does a codon chart illustrate?

A codon chart is a tool used in molecular biology to show the relationship between sequences of nucleotides in mRNA and the amino acids they specify during protein synthesis. Each codon consists of three nucleotides, and the chart indicates which codon corresponds to a particular amino acid. This is essential for understanding how genetic information is translated into protein structure. By referring to a codon chart, a biologist can determine the specific amino acid that will be incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain based on the mRNA sequence. Thus, the chart effectively links the genetic code with the building blocks of proteins, providing clarity on how specific sequences relate to protein formation.