Small RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome.
tRNA is about 76 nucleotides long and folds into a cloverleaf, then an L shape. The anticodon pairs with the mRNA codon while the 3' end holds the amino acid. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases attach the right amino acid to each tRNA, which is the real step that decodes the genetic code.
There are fewer tRNA types than codons because of wobble.
Small RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome.
Transfer RNA is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Translation, Wobble Hypothesis, Genetic Code.
Errors of synthetases are rare, about 1 in 10,000, thanks to proofreading.
Transfer RNA is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Molecular Biology that pair well with it include Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing.
The closest topics to Transfer RNA are Translation, Wobble Hypothesis, Genetic Code, Codon. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Transfer RNA. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
Transfer RNA: Small RNA adaptors with an anticodon that bring the correct amino acid to the ribosome. Translation: Ribosomes read the mRNA codons to assemble amino acids into a protein. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Translation and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
Ribosomes read the mRNA codons to assemble amino acids into a protein.
🧫 Molecular BiologyFlexible pairing at the third codon position lets fewer tRNAs read all 61 sense codons.
🧫 Molecular BiologyThe set of three-base codons that specify amino acids; it is nearly universal across life.
🧫 Molecular BiologyA triplet of mRNA bases that codes for one amino acid or a stop signal.
🧫 Molecular Biology