* tRNA: tRNA molecules are small RNA molecules that have a specific three-nucleotide sequence called an anticodon. This anticodon can bind to a complementary codon on mRNA. The tRNA also carries a specific amino acid, which is determined by the anticodon.
* Process:
1. mRNA: The mRNA molecule carries the genetic code from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
2. tRNA binding: tRNA molecules with the correct anticodon bind to the codons on the mRNA.
3. Amino acid delivery: Each tRNA brings its specific amino acid to the ribosome.
4. Protein synthesis: The ribosome reads the mRNA codons and uses the delivered amino acids to assemble a polypeptide chain, which eventually forms a protein.
In short, tRNA acts as a bridge between the genetic code on mRNA and the building blocks (amino acids) needed to create proteins.