Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Definition

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein. It functions by carrying specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. tRNA has a cloverleaf structure with an anticodon loop that pairs with the mRNA codon.
2. 2. Each tRNA molecule is specific to one amino acid, which it carries to the ribosome.
3. 3. The 3' end of the tRNA is where the amino acid attaches.
4. 4. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are enzymes that charge tRNAs with their respective amino acids.
5. 5. There are different tRNAs for each codon in the genetic code except for stop codons.

Review Questions

• 1. How does tRNA contribute to protein synthesis?
• 2. What role do aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases play in relation to tRNA?
• 3. Describe the structure of a tRNA molecule and its functional regions.

Related terms

mRNA:

Messenger RNA is a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it specifies the amino acid sequence of the protein products of gene expression.

Ribosome: A complex molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis by translating mRNA.

Anticodon: A sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a transfer RNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in messenger RNA.