Definition
During translation of a sequence of nucleotides into a protein, reading frame means reading progressively through the nucleotide sequence by grouping of non‐overlapping triplets (codons). Since the codons are made up of three nucleotides, there are three possible frames; only one of them is the reading ("sense") frame, also called frame zero. If genes are not read in a multiple of three, or translation begins with a different starting point, they are considered out of the reading frame, spoiling regular translation.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2005 Springer-Verlag
About this entry
Cite this entry
(2005). Reading Frame. In: Encyclopedic Reference of Genomics and Proteomics in Molecular Medicine. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg . https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29623-9_8473
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-29623-9_8473
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
Print ISBN: 978-3-540-44244-8
Online ISBN: 978-3-540-29623-2
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesReference Module Biomedical and Life Sciences