[Campbell Biology P.405] In the 'Translation' section Step 5 , the diagram shows a 'Codon' a... | Practice Question

In the 'Translation' section Step 5 , the diagram shows a 'Codon' and an 'Anticodon'. What is their relationship during protein synthesis?

  • A: The codon is on the tRNA, and the anticodon is on the mRNA; they bind covalently.
  • B: The codon is on the mRNA, and the anticodon is on the tRNA; they form complementary base pairs.
  • C: Both codon and anticodon are on the mRNA, and they help in ribosome binding.
  • D: The codon signals the end of translation, while the anticodon initiates it.

Explanation

During protein synthesis, the codon is a three-nucleotide sequence on the mRNA molecule, and the anticodon is a complementary three-nucleotide sequence on the tRNA molecule. They bind to each other through complementary base pairing, ensuring the correct amino acid is brought to the ribosome according to the mRNA sequence.