if we look at definition of genetic code....it is sequence of 3 nucleotides but we mention only nitrogenous bases in codon e.g, AUG is codon containg only 3 bases not nucleotides???????

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blues · Answer

This is a problem in word definitions. The term nucleoTIDE refers to the entire moiety in the chain - the purine or pyrimidine group, the sugar and the phosphate. The term nucleoSIDE refers to just the purine pr pyrimidine group. And there term "base" refers just to the purine or pyrimidine part - but it can refer to either. So to some extent it is synonymous with "nucleoside."

Honestly, scientists are not at all careful in their use of these words. Hope that's helpful.