Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Definition

tRNA is a type of RNA that transports specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis. Each tRNA has an anticodon that pairs with an mRNA codon.

Related terms

Anticodon:

A sequence of three nucleotides forming a unit of genetic code in a tRNA molecule, corresponding to a complementary codon in mRNA.

Amino Acid:

Organic compounds that combine to form proteins; there are 20 different kinds used by cells for protein synthesis.

Peptide Bond: A chemical bond formed between two molecules when the carboxyl group of one molecule reacts with the amino group of another molecule.