The matching of codons to a specific amino acid is the?
The correct answer and explanation is:
The matching of codons to a specific amino acid is the process of translation.
Translation is one of the key steps in protein synthesis, where messenger RNA (mRNA) is used to produce proteins. It occurs in the ribosome and involves the decoding of mRNA into a polypeptide chain, which will later fold into a functional protein. The mRNA contains a series of codons, each made up of three nucleotides. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid or a stop signal for protein synthesis. The key molecules involved in translation are mRNA, transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomes.
In translation, the mRNA codons are read by the ribosome in sets of three nucleotides. Each tRNA molecule carries a specific amino acid and has an anticodon region that can base-pair with the mRNA codon. For example, if the mRNA has the codon “AUG” (which codes for methionine), a tRNA with the corresponding anticodon “UAC” will bind to it, bringing the amino acid methionine into position. As the ribosome moves along the mRNA, tRNAs continue to bring amino acids that are added one by one to the growing polypeptide chain. This process ensures that the correct amino acids are incorporated in the correct order according to the genetic instructions encoded in the mRNA.
The process of translation is highly precise, relying on the accuracy of the codon-anticodon interaction. This system is an essential part of how genetic information is expressed and how cells carry out their functions. Errors in translation can lead to incorrect proteins being produced, which may result in dysfunctional proteins that could contribute to diseases. Therefore, the matching of codons to amino acids is a critical step in maintaining cellular health and function.