Q
QuestionBiology

What is the difference between a codon and an anticodon?
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Answer

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Step 1
: Understand the terms "codon" and "anticodon."

A codon is a sequence of three consecutive nucleotides in DNA or RNA that specifies a particular amino acid or a stop signal during protein synthesis. An anticodon, on the other hand, is a sequence of three nucleotides in transfer RNA (tRNA) that is complementary to a specific codon in messenger RNA (mRNA).

Step 2
: Differentiate between codons and anticodons based on their location and function.

- Codons are found in mRNA and provide the instructions for protein synthesis by specifying particular amino acids. - Anticodons are found in tRNA and recognize the codons in mRNA, bringing the appropriate amino acids to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

Final Answer

Codons and anticodons are sequences of nucleotides with different locations and functions in protein synthesis. Codons, found in mRNA, specify amino acids or stop signals, while anticodons, found in tRNA, recognize and bind to these codons, bringing the corresponding amino acids to the ribosome. The relationship between codons and anticodons is complementary, following the base-pairing rules.