Question

which best describes a codon?
○ a cell structure that gives the master instructions for an organism
○ a segment of dna that is the basis of heredity in organisms
○ the sequence of three bases that codes for a specific amino acid
○ the basic unit of structure and function of all living things

Explanation:

To determine the correct description of a codon, we analyze each option:

• The first option describes a cell structure (like the nucleus), not a codon.
• The second option refers to a gene (a DNA segment for heredity), not a codon.
• The third option: A codon is a sequence of three nucleotide bases (in mRNA, tRNA, or DNA) that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis. This matches the definition of a codon.
• The fourth option describes a cell (the basic unit of life), not a codon.

Answer:

C. the sequence of three bases that codes for a specific amino acid