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GCSE Biology · key term
Transfer RNA: an RNA molecule that carries a specific amino acid to a ribosome and has an anticodon complementary to an mRNA codon.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 3.8B · Paper 1
Revise: Translation: Ribosomes, Codons and PolypeptidesAmino acids are brought to the ribosome by transfer RNA, or tRNA. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has a triplet of bases called an anticodon. The anticodon pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA, positioning the appropriate amino acid for addition to the chain.
Specification B1.2d · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Transfer RNA: a molecule that carries a specific amino acid to a ribosome during translation.
Revise: Protein synthesisTransfer RNA (tRNA) molecules act as carriers. Each tRNA brings a specific amino acid to the ribosome. The mRNA sequence ensures that the appropriate tRNA molecules arrive in the required order.
Distinguish the roles: mRNA carries the genetic instructions; tRNA carries amino acids; the ribosome is where amino acids are linked.
A codon is a triplet on mRNA. An anticodon is a complementary triplet on tRNA.
For a sequence question, put the stages in order: DNA unzips around the gene → mRNA is made in the nucleus → mRNA moves to a ribosome in the cytoplasm → tRNA brings amino acids → the amino acids are joined.
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