Anticodons in transfer RNA (tRNA) play a vital role in the process of translation by pairing with the corresponding codons on messenger RNA (mRNA). This interaction facilitates the addition of specific amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain.

During protein synthesis, tRNA molecules are indispensable. Each tRNA carries a unique amino acid and features an anticodon—a sequence of three nucleotides that is complementary to a codon on the mRNA. This anticodon is crucial for the tRNA’s ability to recognize and bind to the appropriate codon on the mRNA.

In the translation process, the ribosome reads the mRNA strand in the 5’ to 3’ direction. It exposes each codon, which consists of three nucleotides, one at a time. The tRNA molecule with the corresponding anticodon then binds to the exposed codon, adhering to the base pairing rules. This interaction ensures that the correct amino acid, carried by the tRNA, is incorporated into the expanding polypeptide chain.

For instance, if the mRNA codon is $UAC$, the tRNA anticodon would be $AUG$. This specific tRNA would then carry the amino acid methionine, which is subsequently added to the polypeptide chain. This process continues until a stop codon is encountered on the mRNA, signaling the conclusion of translation and the release of the fully synthesized protein.

The pairing of anticodons and codons is essential for the precision of protein synthesis. Any discrepancies in this pairing can result in the incorporation of incorrect amino acids, potentially altering the protein’s structure and function. This underscores the critical importance of the anticodon in maintaining the fidelity of translation.

In summary, anticodons in tRNA are integral to translation, ensuring that the correct amino acids are sequentially added to the polypeptide chain according to the codon sequence on the mRNA. This process is fundamental to protein synthesis, which is essential for the structure and function of all living organisms.