anticodon

American  

[an-tee-koh-don, an-tahy-] / ˌæn tiˈkoʊ dɒn, ˌæn taɪ- /

noun

Genetics.

1. a sequence of three nucleotides in a region of transfer RNA that recognizes a complementary coding triplet of nucleotides in messenger RNA during translation by the ribosomes in protein biosynthesis.

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anticodon Scientific  

/ ăn′tē-kō′dŏn,ăn′tī- /

1. A sequence of three adjacent nucleotides in transfer RNA that binds to a corresponding codon in messenger RNA and designates a specific amino acid during protein synthesis.

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Etymology

Origin of anticodon

First recorded in 1960–65; anti- + codon

Compare meaning

How does anticodon compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• codon vs. anticodon

Example Sentences

Which codon in the mRNA would the tRNA recognize: the one specified by its anticodon or the one that matches the modified amino acid it carries?

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Each tRNA anticodon can base pair with one of the mRNA codons and add an amino acid or terminate translation, according to the genetic code.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A tRNA is chemically modified so that the amino acid bound is different than the one specified by its anticodon.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

A tRNA molecule often is depicted as a cloverleaf, with an anticodon on one end, and the amino acid attachment site at the other.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Figure 9.21 Translation begins when a tRNA anticodon recognizes a codon on the mRNA.

From Textbooks • Apr. 25, 2013