TRANSFER RNA Meaning and
Definition
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Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule found in cells that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. It functions as an intermediary molecule, carrying amino acids from the cytoplasm to the ribosomes, where protein synthesis takes place. The tRNA acts as a connector between the genetic information stored in DNA and the protein synthesis machinery.
tRNA is shaped like a folded cloverleaf, with different regions and structures that are important for its function. At one end of the molecule, there is an anticodon, which is a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to a specific codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA). This anticodon-codon correspondence allows tRNA to recognize specific amino acids and deliver them to the appropriate site on the mRNA during translation.
The other end of the tRNA molecule has a binding site for the specific amino acid that it carries. This is where the amino acid is attached through a high-energy bond known as an aminoacyl bond. Each tRNA molecule is responsible for carrying a specific type of amino acid, ensuring that the proper amino acids are incorporated into proteins during translation.
The ability of tRNA to accurately read the genetic code and deliver the correct amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain is crucial for the accurate synthesis of proteins. Without tRNA, the process of translation would not be able to match the correct amino acid to the corresponding codon on the mRNA, leading to errors in protein synthesis. Therefore, tRNA plays a vital role in the overall accuracy and efficiency of protein synthesis in living organisms.
Common Misspellings for TRANSFER RNA
Etymology of TRANSFER RNA
The term "transfer RNA" (tRNA) can be broken down into two parts: "transfer" and "RNA".
1. Transfer: The word "transfer" comes from the Latin word "transferre", which means "to carry across". In the context of tRNA, the term refers to the function of tRNA in carrying amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. The process involves transferring the amino acids from the cytoplasm to the growing polypeptide chain on the ribosome.
2. RNA: The term "RNA" stands for ribonucleic acid. It is a nucleic acid molecule involved in various cellular processes, such as coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. RNA is similar to DNA but plays a different role in the cell.
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