Describe the role of tRNA in translation.

tRNA, or transfer RNA, plays a crucial role in translation by carrying specific amino acids to the ribosome to build proteins.

In the process of translation, tRNA acts as a link between the genetic code in mRNA (messenger RNA) and the amino acids that make up proteins. Each tRNA molecule is specific to one amino acid and carries an anticodon, a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to the codon for the same amino acid on the mRNA.

The process begins in the nucleus, where the DNA's genetic information is transcribed into mRNA. This mRNA then moves out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where it attaches to a ribosome. The ribosome reads the mRNA's codons, which are sequences of three nucleotides that correspond to specific amino acids.

tRNA molecules, which are found in the cytoplasm, have a specific anticodon at one end and an amino acid at the other. When the anticodon of a tRNA molecule pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA, the tRNA deposits its amino acid at the growing protein chain. The ribosome then moves along the mRNA to the next codon, and the process repeats. This continues until the ribosome reaches a stop codon on the mRNA, signalling the end of the protein synthesis.

In this way, tRNA plays a vital role in the translation process. It not only carries the correct amino acid to the ribosome but also ensures that the amino acid is placed in the correct position in the protein chain. Without tRNA, the genetic code in mRNA could not be translated into proteins, which are essential for the structure and function of all living cells.

IB Biology Tutor Summary: In translation, tRNA (transfer RNA) is essential for building proteins. It matches each mRNA codon with the correct amino acid by using its anticodon. This process occurs in the cytoplasm, where tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome, adding them to the growing protein chain. Essentially, tRNA deciphers the mRNA's genetic code into the proteins necessary for life.