Which type of RNA has an amino acid acceptor end to which it binds amino acids?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → tRNA
Amino acids cannot read the genetic code on their own. Francis Crick proposed an adapter molecule that would read the code on one side and carry an amino acid on the other. This adapter is tRNA (transfer RNA). It has an anticodon loop that pairs with the codon and an amino acid acceptor end that binds the amino acid.
Option (1) mRNA — Incorrect. mRNA (messenger RNA) carries the codons and acts as the template for translation. It does not carry amino acids.
Option (2) rRNA — Incorrect. rRNA (ribosomal RNA) has a structural and catalytic role in the ribosome; in bacteria the 23S rRNA forms the peptide bond. It has no amino acid acceptor end.
Option (3) tRNA — Correct. tRNA (transfer RNA) is the adapter molecule. Its acceptor end holds the amino acid and its anticodon reads the matching codon on mRNA.
NCERT Extract:
tRNA – the Adapter Molecule – “… He postulated the presence of an adapter molecule that would on one hand read the code and on other hand would bind to specific amino acids. The tRNA, then called sRNA (soluble RNA), was known before the genetic code was postulated. However, its role as an adapter molecule was assigned much later. tRNA has an anticodon loop that has bases complementary to the code, and it also has an amino acid acceptor end to which it binds to amino acids.”