What are the three stop codons in genetic translation?

The three stop codons in genetic translation are UAA, UAG, and UGA. These codons signal the termination of protein synthesis during translation, meaning that when the ribosome encounters one of these codons on the mRNA, it recognizes that it should stop adding amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain and release the completed protein.

Each stop codon plays a crucial role in ensuring that proteins are synthesized correctly, as they indicate that the reading frame has reached its end, preventing the addition of incorrect or unnecessary amino acids. The presence of multiple stop codons provides a level of redundancy, which enhances the reliability of the translation process.

In contrast, the other options contain codons that either represent start codons or code for specific amino acids, but do not function as stop signals in the translation process. Understanding the significance of the stop codons is important for grasping how genetic information is expressed within cells.