The anticodon of a particular tRNA molecule is a. complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon. b. complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA. c. the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid. d. catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The question is asking about the anticodon of a tRNA molecule. The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.
2. Step 2: Review the options. Option a suggests that the anticodon is complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon. Option b suggests that it is complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA. Option c suggests that the anticodon is the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid. Option d suggests that the anticodon is catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme.
3. Step 3: Recall the function of the anticodon. The anticodon of a tRNA molecule is a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to a codon in the mRNA. The anticodon recognizes and binds to the codon in the mRNA during protein synthesis.
4. Step 4: Match the function of the anticodon with the correct option. The anticodon is complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon, which matches with option a.
5. Step 5: Confirm the answer. The anticodon of a tRNA molecule is complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon, so the correct answer is option a.

Key Concepts

Anticodon and Codon Interaction

The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in tRNA that is complementary to a corresponding codon in mRNA. This interaction is crucial for the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins, as it ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.

tRNA Function

Transfer RNA (tRNA) serves as the adapter molecule in protein synthesis, carrying specific amino acids to the ribosome. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that pairs with the mRNA codon, allowing it to deliver the appropriate amino acid for incorporation into the protein being synthesized.

Ribosomes and rRNA

Ribosomes are cellular structures made of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins, where protein synthesis occurs. While rRNA plays a structural and catalytic role in the ribosome, it is distinct from the tRNA's function, which specifically involves matching anticodons to mRNA codons to ensure the correct amino acid sequence.