What is the role of an anticodon?

The correct role of an anticodon is that it binds to the complementary codon of mRNA during translation. This process occurs in the ribosome, where transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules, each carrying a specific amino acid, recognize and bind to the corresponding codon on the mRNA strand. The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on the tRNA that is complementary to a codon in the mRNA sequence. This base-pairing is crucial because it ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain in the sequence specified by the mRNA.

During translation, the interaction between the anticodon and codon facilitates the accurate translation of genetic information into proteins, ultimately leading to the correct protein synthesis necessary for cellular functions.