Transfer RNA (tRNA)

Definition

Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins. It carries amino acids to the ribosome, matching them with the appropriate codons on the mRNA strand during translation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. tRNA molecules have a characteristic cloverleaf structure with three hairpin loops.
2. Each tRNA has an anticodon region that is complementary to an mRNA codon.
3. Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes attach specific amino acids to their corresponding tRNAs.
4. The tRNA's 3' end attaches to an amino acid, forming an aminoacyl-tRNA complex.
5. There are at least 20 different types of tRNAs, one for each amino acid.

Related terms

mRNA:

Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Ribosome:

A cellular structure where protein synthesis occurs, composed of rRNA and proteins.

Aminoacyl-tRNA Synthetase:

An enzyme that attaches a specific amino acid to its corresponding tRNA molecule.