Charged tRNA

Definition

Charged tRNA, also known as aminoacyl-tRNA, is a tRNA molecule that is covalently bonded to its corresponding amino acid. This charging process is essential for the addition of amino acids during protein synthesis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Charged tRNA is essential for translating mRNA codons into a specific amino acid sequence in proteins.
2. The enzyme aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase catalyzes the attachment of an amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.
3. Each type of tRNA has a specific anticodon that pairs with a complementary mRNA codon during translation.
4. There are at least 20 different types of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, one for each amino acid.
5. Incorrect charging of tRNAs can lead to errors in protein synthesis and potentially nonfunctional or harmful proteins.

Review Questions

Related terms

tRNA:

Transfer RNA (tRNA) carries specific amino acids to the ribosome during translation.

aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase: An enzyme that attaches the correct amino acid to its respective tRNA.

anticodon:

A triplet sequence on tRNA that pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA during protein synthesis.