Which molecule matches codons in mRNA with the corresponding amino acids during translation?

Which molecule matches codons in mRNA with the corresponding amino acids during translation?

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

Answer: (D)

During translation, an adaptor molecule matches each mRNA codon to its corresponding amino acid. That role is played by transfer RNA. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with the codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide. The attachment of the amino acid to the tRNA is done by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, producing charged tRNAs ready for delivery to the ribosome. The ribosome then links the amino acids together, guided by these codon–anticodon interactions. Other RNAs listed have different jobs—rRNA is part of the ribosome’s structural and catalytic core, snRNA participates in RNA splicing, and mRNA provides the template but does not bring amino acids itself.

During translation, an adaptor molecule matches each mRNA codon to its corresponding amino acid. That role is played by transfer RNA. Each tRNA carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with the codon on the mRNA, ensuring the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide. The attachment of the amino acid to the tRNA is done by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, producing charged tRNAs ready for delivery to the ribosome. The ribosome then links the amino acids together, guided by these codon–anticodon interactions. Other RNAs listed have different jobs—rRNA is part of the ribosome’s structural and catalytic core, snRNA participates in RNA splicing, and mRNA provides the template but does not bring amino acids itself.