What is the function of the three codons that code for translation termination?

The function of the three codons that code for translation termination is to signal the end of protein synthesis. These codons, known as stop codons (UAA, UAG, and UGA), do not code for any amino acids. Instead, they are recognized by release factors in the ribosome, which trigger the termination of polypeptide elongation and facilitate the disassembly of the translation complex.

The presence of a stop codon in the mRNA sequence indicates to the translation machinery that the protein product is complete, allowing the newly synthesized polypeptide to be released. This is a crucial step in the process of gene expression, as it ensures that proteins are synthesized to their appropriate lengths and that the ribosome can reset for the next round of translation.

Initiation of the translation process is handled by start codons, and specific amino acids are encoded by codons that are not stop codons. Regulation of gene expression involves more complex mechanisms that go beyond the role of stop codons in protein synthesis. Thus, the primary and correct function of these three codons is to signal the termination of the translation process.