Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The genetic code is degenerate, meaning that most of the 20 standard amino acids are coded by more than one codon.
During translation, different codons for the same amino acid must be recognized by corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Amino acids are attached to their corresponding tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzymes.
- Because of codon degeneracy, a single amino acid is often associated with multiple distinct tRNA molecules.
- These different tRNA molecules that are charged with (and specific for) the same amino acid are called isoaccepting tRNAs (or isoacceptors).
- Isoaccepting tRNAs have different anticodon sequences, allowing them to recognize different codons coding for the same amino acid.
- They are all recognized and charged by the same aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme.
Let us analyze why other options are incorrect:
- Option (A): tRNAs vary in length (73 to 93 nucleotides), but length does not define their isoaccepting nature.
- Option (B): A single tRNA is highly specific and carries only one type of amino acid.
- Option (D): Different tRNAs have distinct nucleotide sequences, particularly in their anticodon and D-loop regions.
Therefore, isoaccepting tRNAs are different tRNAs specific for the same amino acid.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Isoaccepting tRNAs are different tRNAs that are specific for the same amino acid.