An anticodon on a tRNA molecule pairs with which sequence?

An anticodon on a tRNA molecule pairs with which sequence?

• A. mRNA codon
• B. DNA codon
• C. tRNA anticodon
• D. amino acid

Answer: (A)

During translation, the anticodon on a tRNA base-pairs with a codon on the mRNA, and this pairing occurs in an antiparallel orientation within the ribosome. This specific codon–anticodon interaction ensures the correct amino acid is brought in accordance with the genetic code. DNA isn’t used directly in this step (it serves as the transcription template to make mRNA), and the anticodon doesn’t pair with another anticodon. The amino acid attached to the tRNA is added to the growing polypeptide, but the base pairing itself occurs between the tRNA anticodon and the mRNA codon. For example, a codon on mRNA like AUG pairs with a tRNA carrying methionine that has the anticodon 3′-UAC-5′.

During translation, the anticodon on a tRNA base-pairs with a codon on the mRNA, and this pairing occurs in an antiparallel orientation within the ribosome. This specific codon–anticodon interaction ensures the correct amino acid is brought in accordance with the genetic code. DNA isn’t used directly in this step (it serves as the transcription template to make mRNA), and the anticodon doesn’t pair with another anticodon. The amino acid attached to the tRNA is added to the growing polypeptide, but the base pairing itself occurs between the tRNA anticodon and the mRNA codon. For example, a codon on mRNA like AUG pairs with a tRNA carrying methionine that has the anticodon 3′-UAC-5′.