Boneyard Tools

Codon Translator

Paste an mRNA or DNA sequence to translate it into amino acids using the standard genetic code. Codons are read in triplets from the first base, with one and three letter codes shown.

How to translate codons

  1. Paste an mRNA sequence, or tick the DNA box so T is read as U.
  2. Codons are read in triplets starting from the first base.
  3. Read the protein in one letter codes plus a per codon breakdown and the stop codon.

Examples

Start to stop

AUGUUUUAA
Met (M), Phe (F), Stop

Single codon

AUG
Met (M)

Frequently asked questions

What is a codon?

A codon is a group of three nucleotides that codes for one amino acid. The standard genetic code has 64 codons, including one start codon and three stop codons.

Which genetic code is used?

The standard genetic code, also called NCBI translation table 1. AUG codes for methionine and acts as the start, while UAA, UAG and UGA are stop codons.

Can I paste a DNA sequence?

Yes. Tick the DNA option and every thymine (T) is read as uracil (U) before translation, so a DNA coding sequence is handled directly.

What happens to leftover bases?

Codons are read in non-overlapping triplets from the first base. If one or two bases are left at the end, that partial codon is ignored.

Does translation stop at a stop codon?

By default yes. The first stop codon ends the protein and is shown as Stop. You can also choose to read straight through every codon.

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