Which of the following is TRUE regarding codons?

Codons are fundamental components of genetic coding and are indeed made up of three nucleotides. This triplet structure codes for specific amino acids during the process of translation in protein synthesis. Each codon corresponds to one of the 20 amino acids or serves as a stop signal during translation, thereby determining the sequence of amino acids in a peptide chain.

The three-nucleotide configuration allows for a total of 64 different codons (4^3 combinations of the four nucleotides), which provides a robust coding system that can accommodate the coding needs of organisms. This codon structure is vital for the accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis, influencing how genes are expressed through their resultant proteins. The other options pertain to functions and processes that are not specifically related to the basic definition and function of codons, making the second option the most factual choice regarding their nature and mechanical role in biology.