Neither. mRNA and tRNA are nucleic acids, not amino acids.
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An amino acid is not mRNA or tRNA. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, while mRNA carries the genetic information from DNA to the ribosome to be translated into a protein, and tRNA is responsible for bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
Charged tRNA has an amino acid attached to it, ready for protein synthesis, while uncharged tRNA does not have an amino acid attached. Charged tRNA binds to the appropriate codon on the mRNA during translation, while uncharged tRNA cannot participate in translation.
The three nucleotides on tRNA that match to a specific codon on mRNA are called the anticodon. The anticodon base pairs with the codon on mRNA during protein synthesis, ensuring that the correct amino acid is brought to the ribosome. This matching process is crucial for accurate translation of the genetic code.
The start codon for mRNA is AUG, which codes for the amino acid methionine. It signals the ribosome to start translation and is crucial for initiating protein synthesis.
Anticodon
tRNA is a single-stranded molecule that folds into a cloverleaf shape, while DNA is double-stranded and forms a helical structure. tRNA carries amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, whereas DNA carries genetic information. tRNA contains modified nucleotides and often has loops and stems that are crucial for its function in protein synthesis.