Question

The anticodon of a particular tRNA molecule is:

1. complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon.

2. complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA.

3. the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid.

4. catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme.

Short answer

1. The statement “complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon” istrue.

2. The statement “complementary to the corresponding triplet in rRNA” isfalse.

3. The statement “the part of tRNA that bonds to a specific amino acid” is false.

4. The statement “catalytic, making the tRNA a ribozyme” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Structure of tRNA molecule

The tRNA has folded structure that resembles an L shape. One end of the tRNA has an anticodon that recognizes and binds to the mRNA codon. The other end has an amino acid attachment site that contains the amino acid corresponding to the mRNA codon.

Explanation of option (A)

The anticodon of the tRNA is complementary to the corresponding codon of the mRNA molecule. As a result, the tRNA binds to the mRNA codon through complementary base-pairing.

Thus, the tRNA anticodon is complementary to the corresponding mRNA codon.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option (B)

The rRNA is a type of RNA that is associated with numerous proteins to form the ribosome. It binds to both the tRNA and mRNA and facilitates the movement of ribosomes along the mRNA molecule for protein synthesis.

Thus, the tRNA anticodon is not complementary to triplet in the rRNA.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (C)

One end of the tRNA molecule has an amino acid attachment site that carries the amino acid corresponding to the mRNA codon. However, the anticodon is a part of the tRNA that binds to the mRNA codon.

Thus, the tRNA anticodon does not bind to amino acids.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option (D)

Ribozymes are catalytic RNA enzymes that catalyze chemical reactions. However, aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are enzymes that catalyze the formation of amino-acylation of tRNA molecules.

Thus, the tRNA anticodon is not catalytic.

Therefore, the given statement is false.