Describe the roles and relationships between tRNA anticodon sequences and mRNA codon sequences

Key Concepts

tRNA and Anticodons

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. Each tRNA has a specific anticodon, a three-nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a corresponding codon on the mRNA. This pairing ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.

mRNA and Codons

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. The mRNA is composed of codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that specify particular amino acids. The sequence of codons in mRNA determines the order of amino acids in a protein, influencing its structure and function.

Complementary Base Pairing

Complementary base pairing is a fundamental principle in molecular biology where specific nucleotide bases pair with each other: adenine (A) with uracil (U) in RNA, and cytosine (C) with guanine (G). This pairing is crucial for the accurate interaction between tRNA anticodons and mRNA codons, ensuring that the genetic code is translated correctly during protein synthesis.