In translation, what is the primary function of transfer RNA (tRNA)?

• A. It serves as the catalytic RNA component of the ribosome that forms peptide bonds between amino acids.
• B. It carries a specific amino acid to the ribosome and base-pairs its anticodon with the complementary codon on mRNA to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide.
• C. It is the RNA template that contains codons specifying the amino acid sequence of a protein.
• D. It transports newly synthesized proteins from the ribosome to the Golgi apparatus for processing.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the process of translation, which is the synthesis of proteins from messenger RNA (mRNA) templates.
2. Recognize that transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a key role by acting as an adaptor molecule that links the mRNA codon to the correct amino acid.
3. Know that each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon sequence that base-pairs with a complementary codon on the mRNA strand.
4. Realize that tRNA carries a specific amino acid corresponding to its anticodon, delivering it to the ribosome during protein synthesis.
5. Conclude that the primary function of tRNA is to ensure the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain by matching its anticodon with the mRNA codon.