What does a stop codon signify in the process of translation?

A stop codon plays a crucial role in the process of translation, which is the stage where the genetic code carried by mRNA is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids to form a protein. When the ribosome encounters a stop codon during translation, it signals the termination of protein synthesis. This means that the process halts, and the newly synthesized polypeptide chain is released from the ribosome.

The stop codon does not indicate the creation of a new amino acid; rather, it indicates that the assembly of amino acids into a polypeptide is complete. It also does not have anything to do with the start of transcription, which is the process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template, nor does it relate to splicing, which is the modification of the pre-mRNA transcript before it is translated. Thus, the presence of a stop codon is essential for correctly concluding the translation process, ensuring that proteins are synthesized accurately and efficiently.