Which statement best describes the function of tRNA?

Which statement best describes the function of tRNA?

• A. It carries amino acids to the ribosome
• B. It reads the mRNA message, gathers the correct amino acids, and transports them to the ribosome
• C. It copies DNA into RNA
• D. It forms part of the ribosome's core

Answer: (B)

tRNA acts as the adaptor that links the genetic message in mRNA to the amino acids that build the protein. Each tRNA is charged with a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with a codon on the mRNA inside the ribosome. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added in the right order as the ribosome moves along the mRNA, forming peptide bonds to build the growing polypeptide. The statement described captures this adaptor role: tRNA reads the mRNA codon through its anticodon, brings the matching amino acid to the ribosome, and participates in translating the genetic code into protein. It’s not involved in copying DNA into RNA (that’s transcription by RNA polymerase), and it isn’t a structural part of the ribosome’s core (that role is fulfilled mainly by rRNA). So this description best reflects how tRNA functions in translation.

tRNA acts as the adaptor that links the genetic message in mRNA to the amino acids that build the protein. Each tRNA is charged with a specific amino acid and has an anticodon that base-pairs with a codon on the mRNA inside the ribosome. This pairing ensures the correct amino acid is added in the right order as the ribosome moves along the mRNA, forming peptide bonds to build the growing polypeptide.

The statement described captures this adaptor role: tRNA reads the mRNA codon through its anticodon, brings the matching amino acid to the ribosome, and participates in translating the genetic code into protein. It’s not involved in copying DNA into RNA (that’s transcription by RNA polymerase), and it isn’t a structural part of the ribosome’s core (that role is fulfilled mainly by rRNA). So this description best reflects how tRNA functions in translation.