What is the role of tRNA in translation?

The role of tRNA, or transfer RNA, in translation is to add new amino acids to a growing polypeptide chain. During the translation process, tRNA molecules transport specific amino acids from the cytoplasm to the ribosome, where protein synthesis occurs. Each tRNA has an anticodon region that is complementary to a codon on the mRNA strand. When a tRNA matches its anticodon with the corresponding codon on the mRNA, it delivers its attached amino acid to the ribosome. This process facilitates the assembly of amino acids in the correct order, dictated by the sequence of the mRNA, ultimately forming a polypeptide that will fold into a functional protein.

This choice highlights the crucial function of tRNA as the molecule responsible for translating the genetic code into chemical structure. Other options, while related to biological processes, do not accurately define the unique role of tRNA in translation. For instance, tRNA does not carry mRNA to the ribosome, nor does it transcribe DNA into RNA. Additionally, input energy for translation is supplied by ATP and GTP, not directly by tRNA itself.