Which molecule serves as the adaptor that carries amino acids to the ribosome?

Which molecule serves as the adaptor that carries amino acids to the ribosome?

• A. tRNA
• B. mRNA
• C. rRNA
• D. DNA

Answer: (A)

The adaptor that brings amino acids to the ribosome is transfer RNA (tRNA). In translation, tRNA molecules pick up a specific amino acid and carry it to the ribosome, where their anticodon pairs with the corresponding codon on the messenger RNA. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. The amino acid is attached to the tRNA by an enzyme called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which charges each tRNA with its matching amino acid, providing fidelity to the process. The ribosome then uses the tRNA to link amino acids together. Other molecules play different roles: mRNA provides the coded template for the sequence of amino acids; rRNA is a structural and catalytic component of the ribosome; and DNA stores the genetic information.

The adaptor that brings amino acids to the ribosome is transfer RNA (tRNA). In translation, tRNA molecules pick up a specific amino acid and carry it to the ribosome, where their anticodon pairs with the corresponding codon on the messenger RNA. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. The amino acid is attached to the tRNA by an enzyme called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, which charges each tRNA with its matching amino acid, providing fidelity to the process. The ribosome then uses the tRNA to link amino acids together.

Other molecules play different roles: mRNA provides the coded template for the sequence of amino acids; rRNA is a structural and catalytic component of the ribosome; and DNA stores the genetic information.