An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides in transfer RNA (tRNA) that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis. It ensures the correct amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
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Anticodons are found on tRNA molecules, which transport specific amino acids to the ribosome.
Each anticodon is complementary to a specific mRNA codon, ensuring accurate translation of genetic information.
The anticodon-codon pairing follows base-pairing rules: adenine pairs with uracil and cytosine pairs with guanine.
tRNAs have an L-shaped 3D structure, and the anticodon is located at one end of this structure.
Wobble base pairing allows some flexibility in the third position of the anticodon, enabling one tRNA to pair with multiple codons.