How many anticodons does a tRNA molecule have?
Transfer RNA or tRNA is a small RNA molecule that plays an essential role in protein
synthesis. The primary function of tRNA is to bring amino acids to the ribosome
during protein synthesis. tRNA has a unique structure that allows it to accomplish its
function. It consists of a folded single strand of RNA, which forms a cloverleaf-like
shape, and three essential regions. These regions include the amino acid
attachment site, the anticodon loop, and the TΨC (thymine-pseudouridine-cytosine)
loop.
The anticodon loop is a critical component of tRNA, and it plays a role in determining
which amino acid is attached to the tRNA. It has three nucleotides, which pair with
the codon on the mRNA during protein synthesis. The pairing is based on the
specificity of the nucleotides, and the complementarity is necessary for correct
protein synthesis.
Each tRNA molecule can bind to one specific amino acid and carries an anticodon
region that pairs with a specific codon on the mRNA strand during translation. The
anticodon loop contains three consecutive nucleotides, which are complementary to
the triplet codon present in the mRNA strand. The codon and the anticodon pairing
ensure the correct sequence of amino acids in the protein that is being synthesized.
In summary, each tRNA molecule has one anticodon region, which is responsible for
pairing with the codon of the mRNA strand. This complementary pairing ensures that
the correct amino acids are added during protein synthesis, thereby producing a
specific sequence of amino acids that comprise the protein.
References:
1. Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 4th edition. New York: W. H.
Freeman; 2000. Section 4.3, Transfer RNA.
2. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York:
Garland Science; 2002. Section 6.11, Transfer RNA (tRNA).