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anticodon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low
UK/ˌantɪˈkəʊdɒn/US/ˌæntiˈkoʊdɑːn/ˌˌæntaɪˈkoʊdɑːn/

Technical/Scientific

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Quick answer

What does “anticodon” mean?

A sequence of three nucleotides in a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A sequence of three nucleotides in a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis.

The molecular component that ensures the correct amino acid is incorporated into a growing polypeptide chain by recognizing the specific mRNA codon through base pairing. It is a critical part of the translation machinery in all living cells.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.

Connotations

Purely technical with no regional connotative differences.

Frequency

Equally rare in both varieties, confined to technical biology contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “anticodon” in a Sentence

The anticodon of [specific tRNA][tRNA] carries an anticodon complementary to [mRNA codon]The anticodon pairs with/binds to/recognizes the codon

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
tRNA anticodoncomplementary anticodonanticodon loopanticodon sequenceanticodon armanticodon-codon pairing
medium
specific anticodonmatching anticodoncorrect anticodonbind via its anticodon
weak
important anticodonsingle anticodonkey anticodon

Examples

Examples of “anticodon” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The anticodon sequence is highly conserved.
  • Researchers studied the anticodon loop structure.

American English

  • The anticodon region was mutated.
  • Anticodon modifications can affect translation.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in biology, biochemistry, and genetics textbooks, research papers, and lectures.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Core terminology in molecular biology labs, bioinformatics, and pharmaceutical research related to protein synthesis.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “anticodon”

Neutral

tRNA tripletcomplementary triplet

Weak

decoding siterecognition sequence

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “anticodon”

codon

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “anticodon”

  • Misspelling as 'anti-codon' (hyphenated form is less common in modern texts).
  • Confusing it with 'codon'.
  • Using it as a general term for any complementary sequence outside of tRNA.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

An anticodon is part of a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule, which is a type of RNA.

An anticodon is a triplet sequence, consisting of three nucleotides.

They are complementary sequences that bind together via base-pairing rules (A-U, G-C) during protein synthesis. The codon is on mRNA, the anticodon is on tRNA.

Yes, due to 'wobble' pairing at the third nucleotide position, some anticodons can bind to more than one codon, usually specifying the same amino acid.

A sequence of three nucleotides in a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule that pairs with a complementary codon in messenger RNA (mRNA) during protein synthesis.

Anticodon is usually technical/scientific in register.

Anticodon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌantɪˈkəʊdɒn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæntiˈkoʊdɑːn/ˌˌæntaɪˈkoʊdɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

ANTIcodon is AGAINST (anti-) the codon on mRNA, waiting to pair with it and bring the right amino acid.

Conceptual Metaphor

A KEY fitting into a specific LOCK (the codon).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
During translation, the on the tRNA molecule pairs with the codon on the mRNA.
Multiple Choice

What is the primary function of an anticodon?

anticodon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore