Antikódy

Antikódy (singular: Antikód) are sequences of nucleotides present on transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules that are complementary to a corresponding codon on messenger RNA (mRNA). During protein synthesis, the antikodon on a tRNA molecule recognizes and binds to the codon on mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. This interaction occurs via base pairing rules: adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). The precise pairing of codons and antikodons is crucial for the accurate translation of genetic information and the correct synthesis of proteins. Variations in antikodon sequences allow different tRNA molecules to carry different amino acids, each corresponding to one or more codons. Wobble base pairing can occur at the third position of the codon, allowing a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons.