The Coding Segment of DNA

The coding segment of DNA refers to the sequence of nucleotides that encode the information for the synthesis of proteins. Proteins are necessary for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's tissues and organs.

Codon

A codon is a sequence of three nucleotides on the DNA molecule that codes for a specific amino acid during protein synthesis. There are 64 different codons that can be formed by the combination of the four nucleotides (adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine) in DNA. The sequence of codons determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein, and therefore its structure and function.

Intron

Introns are non-coding segments of DNA that do not code for proteins. They are interspersed between the coding segments, or exons, and are removed during RNA processing before the final mRNA is formed.

Muton and Replicon

Muton refers to the smallest unit of DNA that can undergo a mutation, while replicon refers to a DNA segment that can replicate independently. These terms are not directly related to the coding segment of DNA.

Conclusion

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option D, Codon, as it refers specifically to the sequence of nucleotides that code for amino acids during protein synthesis.

The genetic code by which DNA stores the genetic information consists of "codons" of three nucleotides. The functional segments of DNA which code for the transfer of genetic information are called genes. A codon is defined by the initial nucleotide from which translation starts.