codon usage

Codon usage refers to the preference for certain three-letter DNA or RNA sequences (called codons) that specify amino acids during protein synthesis. Since multiple codons can code for the same amino acid, organisms often favor specific codons—a phenomenon influenced by factors like genetic makeup, environmental conditions, or evolutionary history. This bias impacts how efficiently proteins are produced, as matching the preferred codons with abundant corresponding molecules (tRNAs) can speed up the process. Understanding codon usage helps in fields like genetic engineering and medicine, allowing scientists to optimize gene sequences for better expression in different organisms.