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

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

The anticodon AAG binds the Codon UUC on the mRNA.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Figure 15.17 Translation begins when an initiator tRNA anticodon recognizes a codon on mRNA.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

Each anticodon is complementary to a codon on mRNA.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2018

This sequence of three bases on the tRNA molecule is called an anticodon.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013