What is tRNA and what does it do?

• A. Deoxyribonucleic Acid; stores genetic information
• B. Messenger RNA; carries amino acids
• C. Ribosomal RNA; builds ribosome
• D. Transfer RNA; carries a specific anticodon that matches with the codon of the mRNA

Answer: (D)

In translation, tRNA acts as the adaptor that translates the mRNA code into a protein sequence. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has a three‑base anticodon that base-pairs with the complementary codon on the mRNA. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added at each step of the growing polypeptide. The amino acid is attached to the tRNA by an enzyme called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which “charges” the tRNA so it’s ready to deliver its amino acid to the ribosome. Inside the ribosome, the anticodon of the tRNA pairs with the mRNA codon, guiding the assembly of the amino acids in the correct order. Other nucleic acids have different roles—DNA stores genetic information, mRNA carries that information to the ribosome, and rRNA helps form the ribosome—so tRNA’s unique function is to deliver amino acids in the sequence specified by the mRNA through its anticodon.