Final answer:
The base sequence on the tRNA molecule that complements an mRNA is known as the anticodon. During translation, tRNA anticodons pair with mRNA codons to ensure correct amino acid addition in protein synthesis. Charged tRNA binds to the A site of the ribosome, and the anticodon determines tRNA's specificity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The base sequence on the tRNA molecule that recognizes a complementary mRNA molecule is called an anticodon. During translation, tRNA molecules use their anticodons to match with corresponding codons on the mRNA strand. For instance, if an mRNA has the codon 'CUA', the tRNA with the anticodon 'GAU' will bind to it, assuming the tRNA is charged with the correct amino acid. The interaction between codons and anticodons ensures that the amino acids are added in the correct sequence to form a protein.
During elongation in translation, a charged tRNA molecule initially binds to the A site of the ribosome. The initiator tRNA, which carries a specific methionine, recognizes the start codon and binds to the P site. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNAs enter the A site and then transfer to the P site as peptide bonds form and the polypeptide chain grows. Eventually, tRNAs exit the ribosome through the E site.
A tRNA's function is determined by its anticodon, not the amino acid it carries. If a tRNA is chemically modified so that it carries a different amino acid than the one specified by its anticodon, the tRNA will still recognize the codon in the mRNA that matches its anticodon sequence.