What is the function of the anticodon on tRNA?

• A. It codes for amino acids directly
• B. It catalyzes peptide bond formation
• C. It recognizes and pairs with a codon on mRNA
• D. It helps ribosome attach to mRNA

Answer: (C)

The anticodon on tRNA serves to recognize and pair with a codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is incorporated into the growing polypeptide during translation. The anticodon is a three-nucleotide loop that base-pairs with the complementary codon, guiding the ribosome to add the appropriate amino acid carried by that tRNA. The actual chemical bond formation between amino acids is catalyzed by the ribosome, not by the anticodon. The anticodon also doesn’t help the ribosome attach to mRNA; initiation involves other factors and signals. Sometimes the third codon position allows wobble, giving flexibility in pairing, but the core role remains matching anticodon to codon to translate the genetic code accurately.