Final answer:
An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on a tRNA molecule that pairs with a codon on mRNA during protein synthesis. It ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the polypeptide chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides found on a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule. It is complementary to a specific codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis. The anticodon binds to the codon through base pairing, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.
For example, let's consider the mRNA codon 'AUG', which codes for the amino acid methionine. The anticodon on the tRNA that corresponds to this codon is 'UAC'. This anticodon pairs with the codon in an antiparallel manner, allowing the tRNA to deliver methionine to the ribosome for protein synthesis.
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