What is the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in protein synthesis?

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by transporting amino acids to the ribosome, where proteins are assembled. Each tRNA molecule has a specific anticodon that base-pairs with a corresponding codon on the messenger RNA (mRNA) strand. This ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain in accordance with the sequence specified by the mRNA.

The process begins when the ribosome reads the mRNA sequence and as each codon is exposed, the corresponding tRNA brings the appropriate amino acid. Once the tRNA's anticodon and the mRNA's codon match, the amino acid is added to the growing protein chain through peptide bonds.

This function is essential for translating the genetic code into functional proteins, making tRNA indispensable in the overall process of gene expression during translation.