Question

During translation, what molecule bears the anticodon? The codon?

Short answer

Short Answer: In the process of translation, tRNA bears the anticodon and mRNA bears the codon.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the translation process

Translation is the process of synthesizing proteins from an mRNA template. This process occurs in the ribosome and involves the participation of various molecules such as tRNA, mRNA, and amino acids.

Identify the molecule bearing the anticodon

The anticodon is a three-nucleotide sequence found in tRNA (transfer RNA) molecules. It is complementary to the codon sequence on the mRNA strand and is responsible for recognizing and binding to the appropriate codon during translation.

Identify the molecule bearing the codon

The codon is a three-nucleotide sequence found in mRNA (messenger RNA) molecules. It codes for a specific amino acid in the process of protein synthesis. Therefore, the molecule bearing the codon during translation is mRNA. #Final Answer# During translation, the molecule that bears the anticodon is tRNA, while the molecule that bears the codon is mRNA.

Key concepts

tRNA anticodon function

In the fascinating process of translation, tRNA (transfer RNA) plays a critical role by featuring something known as the anticodon. The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on the tRNA that precisely matches a complementary three-nucleotide sequence of a codon on the mRNA. This matching isn’t arbitrary; it requires precise pairing due to the nature of base-pairing rules in genetics.
Once the tRNA with its anticodon binds specifically to an mRNA codon, it positions a specific amino acid in the growing protein chain.

• The anticodon of the tRNA experiences complementary base pairing with the codon of mRNA.
• This ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the nascent protein.
• Each tRNA is specifically linked to one type of amino acid, ensuring accuracy.

Through this fine-tuned process, the anticodon’s function is vital for decoding the genetic message carried by mRNA, ensuring proteins are built correctly.

mRNA codon role

mRNA, or messenger RNA, serves as the template for protein synthesis due to its codons. Codons are sequences of three nucleotides, and each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal in the protein synthesis process. This simple three-letter code forms the language of mRNA and is essential for translating genetic information into proteins.

• Each codon on the mRNA specifies which amino acid will be added next in the protein sequence.
• The codons are read in a linear sequence by the ribosome, ensuring the correct order of amino acids.
• Some codons serve as 'stop signals,' alerting the ribosome to cease protein construction.

This systematic reading of mRNA codons is what enables the accurate translation of genetic information into functional proteins, essentially bridging DNA's instructions and the protein’s structure.

protein synthesis process

The protein synthesis process, also known as translation, is an intricate yet precisely coordinated sequence of events that occur in the ribosome. During this process, the genetic code carried by mRNA is translated into a sequence of amino acids, resulting in the formation of a protein.
This process consists of three main stages:

• Initiation: The ribosome assembles around the mRNA. The first tRNA, carrying methionine as its amino acid, binds to the start codon (usually AUG).
• Elongation: Successive tRNA molecules, guided by their anticodons, pair with corresponding mRNA codons, adding their amino acids to the growing chain.
• Termination: When a stop codon is encountered (such as UAA, UAG, or UGA), the ribosome releases the completed protein chain.

Through this elaborate interplay of molecules and signals, the protein synthesis process translates the genetic code into functional proteins, essential for cellular function and life itself.