The amino acid of tRNA refers to the aminoacyl-tRNA, which is a tRNA molecule that has been chemically bonded ("charged") with its corresponding amino acid.
Here's a breakdown:
-
tRNA (Transfer RNA): These are small RNA molecules that play a crucial role in protein synthesis (translation). Each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon sequence that recognizes a corresponding codon on mRNA (messenger RNA).
-
Amino Acid: The building blocks of proteins.
-
Charging: The process of attaching the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA molecule is called aminoacylation or tRNA charging. This is performed by enzymes called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Each synthetase is highly specific for a particular amino acid and its corresponding tRNA.
-
Aminoacyl-tRNA (aa-tRNA) or Charged tRNA: This is the resulting molecule after the amino acid has been attached to the tRNA. The aa-tRNA then delivers the amino acid to the ribosome during translation to be incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain.
In essence, the "amino acid of tRNA" signifies that the tRNA molecule is carrying its designated amino acid, ready to participate in protein synthesis. It represents the functional form of tRNA that actively contributes to building proteins.
