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tRNA or transfer RNA is a type of RNA, which helps in the synthesis of protein from mRNA. tRNA
functions as an adapter molecule during the translation process. It was earlier known as
soluble RNA or sRNA. As an adapter, it links the amino acids to nucleic acids. It carries the amino
acid to be added in the peptide chain and also deciphers the codon for the same in the mRNA
molecule.
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Let’s learn about its structure.
tRNA Structure
The tRNAs are generally 76-90 nucleotides long. Each amino acid has specific tRNAs. Stop
codons are not recognised by any tRNAs. The secondary structure of tRNA looks like a clover
leaf and tertiary structure is like an inverted ‘L’ shape. The folded structure is formed due to
hydrogen bonding between complementary bases.
Also Check: NEET Answer Key ([Link]
Clover leaf structure of tRNA
The secondary folded structure of tRNA has three hairpin loops, which give it an appearance of
three-leafed clover. The main constituents of tRNA are:
Acceptor arm
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It is formed by the base pairing of 7-9 nucleotides of 5’ terminal and 3’ terminal. The 5’ terminal
has a phosphate group and the 3’ ends with a specific sequence of CCA or CCA tail. The amino
acid attaches to the 3’ hydroxyl group of the acceptor arm.
The aminoacylation of tRNA or charging of tRNA is the first step of the translation process. The
enzyme aminoacyl tRNA synthetases catalyse the reaction.
DHU Loop
D arm has a stem of 3-4 base pairs and it ends in a loop called D loop as it generally contains
dihydrouridine, a modified nucleotide.
Anticodon Loop
It has a 5 base pair long stem. It has an anticodon loop, which contains the complementary
codon (3 nucleotides sequence) present on mRNA ([Link] for
the amino acid it carries. These unpaired bases of anticodon loop pair with the mRNA codon.
Each codon is identified by a specific tRNA.
TΨC Loop
The T arm consists of a stem of 4-5 bp and a loop containing pseudouridine, modified uridine.
Variable Loop
It is present between the TΨC loop and the anticodon loop. Its size varies from 3-21 bases. It
helps in the recognition of the tRNA molecule.
Extended Reading: Difference between mRNA, tRNA and rRNA
([Link]
tRNA Function
tRNA plays an important role in protein synthesis.
It acts as an adapter molecule for linking amino acids to its specific codon present in
mRNA.
Aminoacylation of tRNA is the first step in protein synthesis.
tRNA is specific to each amino acid and carries them during the translation process in the
ribosomal subunits.
The tRNA transfers the amino acid to the growing polypeptide chain in the ribosomes,
which has three binding sites for tRNA, namely A, P and E, which correspond to aminoacyl,
peptidyl and exit, respectively.
This decoding of codons of mRNA by specific tRNAs continues until the entire sequence
for a polypeptide chain is translated.
Also explore MCQs on structure of RNA ([Link]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1 What is the function of tRNA?
tRNA acts as an adapter molecule for linking amino acids to its specific codon in the mRNA template.
Thus it helps in protein synthesis by decoding the mRNA sequence.
Q2 What is the difference between tRNA and mRNA?
mRNA is a linear single-stranded structure that acts as a template for protein synthesis. Whereas,
tRNA is a clover leaf shaped structure that carries specific amino acids to the ribosome for protein
synthesis.
Q3 Where is tRNA located?
tRNA (transfer RNA) and rRNA (ribosomal RNA) are located in the cellular cytoplasm. Both are
involved in the protein synthesis process.
Explore notes on other important concepts related to NEET, only at BYJU’S. Check the NEET Study
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