Synonym(s)
- adapter RNA
- ribonucleic acids, transfer
- soluble RNA
- tRNA
Definition(s)
- The small RNA molecules, 73-80 nucleotides long, that function during translation to align amino acids at the ribosomes in a sequence determined by the mRNA. There are about 30 different transfer RNAs. Each recognizes a specific codon set on the mRNA through its own anticodon, and as aminoacyl tRNAs, each carries a specific amino acid to the ribosome to add to the elongating peptide chains.
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Definition from: Unified Medical Language System
(MeSH)
at the National Library of Medicine
- A class of RNA having structures with triplet nucleotide sequences that are complementary to the triplet nucleotide coding sequences of mRNA. The role of tRNAs in protein synthesis is to bond with amino acids and transfer them to the ribosomes, where proteins are assembled according to the genetic code carried by mRNA.
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Definition from: Human Genome Project Information
at the U.S. Department of Energy
- A relatively small RNA that transfers a particular amino acid to a growing polypeptide chain at the ribosomal site of protein synthesis during translation -- called also adapter RNA, soluble RNA, tRNA.
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Definition from: Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary by Merriam-Webster Inc.
Related discussion in the Handbook
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
