How Do You Spell ANTICODON?

Pronunciation: [ˌantɪkˈɒdɒn] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Anticodon" may seem complicated, but when broken down using IPA phonetic transcription it becomes clear. The word is pronounced [æn.tiː.kəˌdɑn], with the stress on the second syllable. The "a" in "anti" is pronounced with the short "æ" sound, followed by a "t" and "i" pronounced like "ee". The "c" is pronounced like a "k" and the "o" in "codon" is pronounced with a long "oʊ" sound. The "d" and "n" at the end of the word are pronounced as usual.

ANTICODON Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "anticodon" refers to a sequence of three nucleotides found on a molecule of transfer RNA (tRNA), which plays a crucial role in protein synthesis in cells. It is part of the tRNA molecule that pairs with the codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA) during translation.

    The anticodon is located on one end of the tRNA, opposite to the amino acid attachment site. This specific sequence of three nucleotides is complementary to the codon sequence on the mRNA molecule. Through complementarity, the anticodon forms hydrogen bonds with the corresponding codon, allowing the tRNA to recognize and bind to the mRNA.

    An anticodon functions as a key intermediary in the translation process, as it helps in the accurate and specific pairing of amino acids with their corresponding codons on the mRNA. By binding to the codon, the anticodon brings the appropriate amino acid that is required for protein synthesis. This accurate pairing is essential for the proper arrangement of amino acids during protein synthesis, ensuring that the correct amino acid sequence is produced.

    By virtue of its function, the anticodon plays a vital role in maintaining the fidelity of the genetic code. Mutations or alterations in the anticodon sequence can lead to incorrect pairing, resulting in the incorporation of incorrect amino acids into the growing protein chain. Therefore, the anticodon serves as a crucial molecular tool in translating the genetic information encoded in the mRNA into the protein product of a cell.

Common Misspellings for ANTICODON

Etymology of ANTICODON

The term "anticodon" is derived from two separate components: "anti-" and "codon".

The prefix "anti-" originates from the Greek word "antí", meaning "against" or "opposite". This prefix is commonly used to express negation or opposition.

The word "codon" is a combination of "codo", a transliteration of the Greek word "kódon" meaning "bell or little bell", and "on", denoting a molecule or substance. The term "codon" was introduced by molecular biologist Francis Crick in 1961 to describe a sequence of three nucleotides found on messenger RNA (mRNA). These nucleotide triplets are complementary to specific sequences of three nucleotides known as "triplet codons" on transfer RNA (tRNA), allowing for precise translation of the mRNA sequence.

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