what is an anticodon and what is it's function in a cell?

Answer 1

Anticodon

An anticodon (sometimes called nodoc from the reversed letters of the word codon)[1] is a unit made up of three nucleotides that correspond to the three bases of the codon on the mRNA. Each tRNA contains a specific anticodon triplet sequence that can base-pair to one or more codons for an amino acid. For example, one codon for lysine is AAA; the anticodon of a lysine tRNA might be UUU. Some anticodons can pair with more than one codon due to a phenomenon known as wobble base pairing. Frequently, the first nucleotide of the anticodon is one of two not found on mRNA: inosine and pseudouridine, which can hydrogen bond to more than one base in the corresponding codon position. In the genetic code, it is common for a single amino acid to occupy all four third-position possibilities; for example, the amino acid glycine is coded for by the codon sequences GGU, GGC, GGA, and GGG.

To provide a one-to-one correspondence between tRNA molecules and codons that specify amino acids, 61 tRNA molecules would be required per cell. However, many cells contain fewer than 61 types of tRNAs because the wobble base is capable of binding to several, though not necessarily all, of the codons that specify a particular amino acid[2].

[edit] Aminoacylation

Answer 2

The anticodon is the group of 3 bases on the end of the transfer RNA. It is used to match up with the codon on mRNA. Transfer RNA carries specific amino acids. Each tRNA with specific codons carry specific amino acids.

Using this code and base pair matching, proteins are built in the ribosome of the cell.