Question

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides that

a)is found on ribosomal RNA and synthesizes amino acids.
b)is found on DNA and codes for an amino acid in a protein.
c)is found on messenger RNA and is complementary to the transfer RNA triplet.
d)is found on transfer RNA and is complementary to messenger RNA codons.

Answer 1

An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides found on transfer RNA, complementing a codon on messenger RNA to ensure the proper addition of amino acids during protein synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

An anticodon is a critical component of the protein synthesis process in cells. It is a consecutive sequence of three nucleotides on a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that is complementary to a specific codon on a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. During translation, the anticodon pairs with the codon to ensure the correct amino acid is brought to the growing polypeptide chain, facilitating the assembly of a protein's primary structure.

For example, if an mRNA has a codon sequence of CUA, the tRNA with the anticodon GAU will bind to it, carrying the amino acid leucine. This specificity is ensured by the shape of tRNA and the fit in the active site of its corresponding amino acyl-tRNA synthetase. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is d) is found on transfer RNA and is complementary to messenger RNA codons.