tRNA (Transfer RNA)

Definition

tRNA is a type of RNA that transports specific amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis based on coding sequences present on mRNA.

Analogy

Imagine tRNA as delivery trucks carrying goods (amino acids). Each truck knows exactly where to drop off its cargo because it has a specific address (codon) to match.

Related terms

Anticodon: A sequence of three nucleotides in a tRNA molecule that pairs with a corresponding codon on an mRNA molecule during protein synthesis.

Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins, which are carried by tRNA molecules during protein synthesis.

Peptide Bond: The chemical bond formed between two amino acids when a carboxyl group of one reacts with the amino group of another, releasing water and forming a peptide bond. This is how proteins are built during translation.