Question

Codon-anticodon interactions occur by

• A. Covalent bonds
• B. Electrostatic interactions
• C. Hydrogen bonds
• D. Hydrophobic interactions

Hint:

Complementary base pairing between mRNA codons and tRNA anticodons is stabilized by non-covalent hydrogen bonds.
These bonds are formed between the amino and carbonyl groups of the opposing nitrogenous bases.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Translation is the process where ribosomes synthesize proteins using mRNA templates.
The accuracy of translation depends on the specific pairing between the three-nucleotide codon on the mRNA and the complementary anticodon on a transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule carrying a specific amino acid.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The interaction between codon and anticodon is mediated by complementary base pairing.
According to Watson-Crick base-pairing rules, nitrogenous bases associate through non-covalent interactions:
- Adenine ($\text{A}$) pairs with Uracil ($\text{U}$) via two hydrogen bonds.
- Guanine ($\text{G}$) pairs with Cytosine ($\text{C}$) via three hydrogen bonds.
These complementary base pairs are held together by hydrogen bonds formed between the donor and acceptor groups of the nitrogenous bases.
During translation, the anticodon loop of the tRNA aligns with the codon of the mRNA inside the ribosome.
Hydrogen bonding at the first two positions of the codon follows strict Watson-Crick rules, while the third position can accommodate non-standard "wobble" hydrogen pairing, allowing a single tRNA to recognize multiple codons.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Codon-anticodon interactions occur via Hydrogen bonds, which corresponds to Option (C).