What is the function of tRNA anticodons?

• A. tRNA anticodons are complementary to mRNA codons and transport the matching amino acids to the ribosome.
• B. Anticodons are identical to mRNA codons and code for amino acids themselves.
• C. Anticodons bind to DNA in the nucleus to regulate transcription.
• D. Anticodons are used to synthesize mRNA from a DNA template.

Answer: (A)

Anticodons on tRNA act as the recognition system during protein synthesis. They pair with the mRNA codons in a complementary fashion, so the tRNA that carries a specific amino acid aligns with the correct codon in the ribosome. This ensures the amino acid is added in the right order to build the growing polypeptide. The anticodon is not identical to the codon; it matches it by base pairing. Anticodons don’t bind DNA to control transcription, and they don’t synthesize mRNA from a DNA template. The amino acid carried by the tRNA is determined by the tRNA’s own identity and the attaching enzyme, while the anticodon ensures the right tRNA is used for each codon.