What is the function of tRNA during protein synthesis?

What is the function of tRNA during protein synthesis?

• A. It directs DNA replication
• B. It transports amino acids to the ribosome
• C. It synthesizes RNA
• D. It forms the structure of proteins

Answer: (B)

The function of tRNA, or transfer RNA, during protein synthesis is primarily to transport amino acids to the ribosome. This is a critical step in the process of translating the genetic code into a functional protein. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid that corresponds to the codons on the mRNA strand, which is read by the ribosome during translation. The tRNA recognizes the codon through its anticodon sequence and facilitates the addition of its amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain, ensuring that proteins are assembled correctly according to the mRNA template. In contrast to this role, other options refer to different processes. DNA replication is directed by enzymes and involves DNA molecules, not tRNA. The synthesis of RNA, which occurs during transcription, is carried out by RNA polymerase, not tRNA. Additionally, while proteins indeed consist of amino acids linked together, tRNA itself does not form the structure of proteins but rather aids in their assembly by delivering the necessary building blocks (amino acids) to the ribosome. Thus, transporting amino acids to the ribosome is the specialized function of tRNA in the context of protein synthesis.

The function of tRNA, or transfer RNA, during protein synthesis is primarily to transport amino acids to the ribosome. This is a critical step in the process of translating the genetic code into a functional protein. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid that corresponds to the codons on the mRNA strand, which is read by the ribosome during translation. The tRNA recognizes the codon through its anticodon sequence and facilitates the addition of its amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain, ensuring that proteins are assembled correctly according to the mRNA template.

In contrast to this role, other options refer to different processes. DNA replication is directed by enzymes and involves DNA molecules, not tRNA. The synthesis of RNA, which occurs during transcription, is carried out by RNA polymerase, not tRNA. Additionally, while proteins indeed consist of amino acids linked together, tRNA itself does not form the structure of proteins but rather aids in their assembly by delivering the necessary building blocks (amino acids) to the ribosome. Thus, transporting amino acids to the ribosome is the specialized function of tRNA in the context of protein synthesis.