Anticodon

Definition

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in transfer RNA (tRNA) that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis. It ensures the correct amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anticodons are found on tRNA molecules, which transport specific amino acids to the ribosome.
2. Each anticodon is complementary to a specific mRNA codon, ensuring accurate translation of genetic information.
3. The anticodon-codon pairing follows base-pairing rules: adenine pairs with uracil and cytosine pairs with guanine.
4. tRNAs have an L-shaped 3D structure, and the anticodon is located at one end of this structure.
5. Wobble base pairing allows some flexibility in the third position of the anticodon, enabling one tRNA to pair with multiple codons.

Review Questions

• What is the role of an anticodon in protein synthesis?
• How does an anticodon ensure that the correct amino acid is added to a growing polypeptide chain?
• What unique feature of tRNA allows for wobble base pairing?

Related terms

codon: A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies a particular amino acid or termination signal during translation.

tRNA: Transfer RNA; a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins by carrying amino acids to the ribosome.

ribosome: A molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).