Which molecule carries amino acids to the corresponding codons on the mRNA strand during translation?

Which molecule carries amino acids to the corresponding codons on the mRNA strand during translation?

• A. Reads codons on the mRNA to synthesize proteins
• B. Carries amino acids to the ribosome
• C. Forms part of the ribosome's structure
• D. Carries amino acids to the corresponding codons on the mRNA strand

Answer: (D)

During translation, the molecule that delivers each amino acid to the ribosome in response to the mRNA codon is transfer RNA. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA. This codon–anticodon pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain in the right order. While the ribosome reads codons and provides structure, the task of transporting the right amino acid to the matching codon is carried out by tRNA.

During translation, the molecule that delivers each amino acid to the ribosome in response to the mRNA codon is transfer RNA. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA. This codon–anticodon pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain in the right order. While the ribosome reads codons and provides structure, the task of transporting the right amino acid to the matching codon is carried out by tRNA.