Consider translation of the following mRNA sequence: 5′-...AUGCAGAUCCAUGCCUAUUGA...-3′ What is the anticodon triplet sequence of the next tRNA to interact with mRNA?

Key Concepts

mRNA and Codons

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a single-stranded nucleic acid that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Codons are sequences of three nucleotides in mRNA that correspond to specific amino acids or stop signals during translation. Understanding the codon sequence is essential for determining which tRNA will bind to the mRNA.

tRNA and Anticodons

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon, a triplet of nucleotides that is complementary to a specific mRNA codon. The interaction between the tRNA anticodon and the mRNA codon ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain during translation.

Complementary Base Pairing

Complementary base pairing refers to the specific pairing of nucleotide bases in nucleic acids, where adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U) in RNA, and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). This principle is crucial for the accurate pairing of tRNA anticodons with mRNA codons, allowing for the correct translation of genetic information into proteins.