Differences Between the Start codon and Stop codon
The differences between the Start codon and Stop codon are given below:
|
Feature |
Start Codon |
Stop Codon |
|---|---|---|
|
Definition |
It is a specific trinucleotide sequence where the protein translation process begins. |
It is a specific trinucleotide sequence where the protein translation process halts. |
|
Bases |
The start codon is always AUG |
There are 3 stop codons: UAG, UGA, and UAA. |
|
Location |
The start codon is located at the beginning i.e., the 5’ end of the transcribed mRNA sequence. |
The stop codon is located at the end I.e., the 3’ end of the transcribed mRNA sequence. |
|
Dependence |
It works with initiation factors or nearby sequences to start the translation. |
It independently signal the termination. |
|
Code for Amino Acid |
Yes. It codes for methionine most of the time. |
No. Do not code for any amino acid but ends the amino acid coding sequence |
|
Presence of tRNA with Anticodons |
tRNA with anticodons is present for the start codon. |
tRNA with anticodons is not present with stop codons. |
|
Open Reading Frame (ORF) |
Start codon is included in ORF. |
Stop codon is not included in ORF. |
|
Role of Ribosome |
It begins the formation of polypeptide chain. Here, it halts the formation of polypeptide chain. |
Here, it halts the formation of polypeptide chain. |
|
Effect of Mutation |
Mutation in the start codon can lead to the failure to initiate the protein synthesis or the production of abnormal protein. |
Mutation in the stop codon can lead to premature termination of protein synthesis or the production of incomplete protein. |
|
Significance |
It marks the beginning site of the translation of the transcribed mRNA into a protein. |
It marks the site where the process of translation ends. It also releases the newly formed polypeptide chain from the ribosome. |
Difference between Start Codon and Stop Codon
Start and stop codons are two punctuation marks of the genetic code that signal the beginning and end of protein synthesis. The main difference between the start and stop codon is that the start codon marks the site at which translation into protein sequence begins whereas the stop codon marks the site at which translation ends. The most common start codon is AUG which codes for methionine while there are three stop codons UAG, UAA, and UGA, and they do not code for an amino acid.
Table of Content
- Differences between the Start codon and Stop codon
- What is Genetic code?
- What is a Start Codon?
- What is a Stop Codon?
- Similarities Between Start Codon and Stop Codon
- Conclusion: Difference between Start Codon and Stop Codon