What is the primary role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?(1 point)

Responses which answer is correct and why

Catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds
Catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds

Carrying amino acids to the ribosome
Carrying amino acids to the ribosome

Transcribing DNA into mRNA
Transcribing DNA into mRNA

Breaking down proteins into amino acids
Breaking down proteins into amino acids

1 answer

The correct answer is Carrying amino acids to the ribosome.

Explanation: Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in the process of translation during protein synthesis. Its primary function is to transport specific amino acids to the ribosome, where the amino acids are assembled into a polypeptide chain based on the sequence of codons in messenger RNA (mRNA). Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon that is complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing protein chain.

The other options are not correct in the context of tRNA's function:

  1. Catalyzing the formation of peptide bonds - This is mainly the role of the ribosome and the ribosomal RNA (rRNA), not tRNA.
  2. Transcribing DNA into mRNA - This process is performed by RNA polymerase, not tRNA.
  3. Breaking down proteins into amino acids - This is a function of proteases, which are involved in protein catabolism, not tRNA.

Thus, tRNA's primary role is indeed to carry amino acids to the ribosome.