antikodonin

Antikodonin is a term used in molecular biology to refer to the sequence of three nucleotides located on a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule. This sequence, known as the anticodon, is complementary to a corresponding codon on messenger RNA (mRNA) and plays a crucial role in the translation process of protein synthesis.

During translation, the anticodon of the tRNA pairs with its complementary codon on the mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. Each tRNA molecule is specific to a particular amino acid and contains an anticodon sequence that recognizes the appropriate codon for that amino acid. The precise pairing between codons and anticodons follows the rules of standard base pairing, with uracil pairing with adenine and guanine pairing with cytosine, to maintain fidelity in protein synthesis.

The structure of the anticodon typically spans three nucleotides, arranged in a particular sequence that allows for specific base pairing. The anticodon is located at one end of the tRNA, opposite the acceptor stem that binds to the amino acid. The interaction between anticodon and codon is a key step in decoding genetic information into functional proteins.

Understanding the role of anticodons is fundamental to grasping the mechanisms of gene expression and the translation process. Mutations or alterations in anticodon sequences can lead to errors in protein synthesis, potentially resulting in dysfunctional proteins and associated diseases.