Codon and anticodon both are three nucleotide sequence of amino acid present in different RNA strand. Let us discuss what they are in detail.
Codons are the three nucleotide sequence found on mRNA during translation. They code for particular amino acids, while anticodons are the nucleotide sequence found on tRNA which bind with the codons present in mRNA.
Let us discuss how these codons are translated to anticodon, the difference between codon and anticodon, start codon , stop codon and many more related questions in this article.
How to translate codons to Anticodons?
Codons and anticodon are three nucleotide stretch of sequence complementary to each other. Let us see how codon translate to anticodon.
The steps of translation of codon to Anticodon are listed below:
- During the process of translation, codon are present on mRNA strand.
- tRNA will scan for the mRNA
- tRNA will recognise the codon on mRNA.
- tRNA that carries the complementary anticodon in the anticodon loop combine with the codons.
- Thus, the interaction of codon on mRNA and anticodon on tRNA cause protein translation.
Codon vs anticodon chart:
Codon and anticodon are triplets of nucleotides that identify a specific amino acid in a polypeptide. Let us find the difference between the two.
Differences between codon and anticodon are given on the below chart:
| Factors | Codon | Anticodon |
| Location | Codon is located on the mRNA molecule. | Anticodon is located in the tRNA molecule. |
| Complementary NatureThe nucleotide triplet in DNA is complementary to the codon. | Anticodon is complementary to the codon. | |
| Continuity | Codon is sequentially present on the mRNA. | Anticodon is individually present on tRNAs |
| Function | Codon determines the position of the amino acid. | Anticodon brings the specified amino acid by the codon. |
Start codon vs anticodon:
Start codon and anticodon are the triplet nucleotide sequences present on different RNA. Let us learn about start codon and anticodon.
Major comparisons between start codon and anticodon is given in the below chart:
| Factors | Start codon | Anticodon |
| Definition | The start codon is an mRNA transcript’s first codon that a ribosome translates. | The term “anticodon” refers to the three-nucleotide sequence on the tRNA that is complementary to the codon sequence on the mRNA. |
| Location | Present on the mRNA strand | Present on anticodon loop of tRNA. |
| Importance | Marks the initiation site for translation. | Binds with the complementary codon for protein translation |
| Binding | It binds with the complementary anticodon on tRNA. | It binds with complementary start codon and initiate translation. |
Anticodon vs stop codon:
Stop codon and anticodon are the nucleotide stretches found in mRNA and tRNA respectively. Let us learn more about these two.
A basic comparison between anticodon and stop codon is provided in the given chart:
| Factors | Anticodon | stop codon |
| Definition | The three nucleotide sequence on the tRNA, which is complementary to the codon sequence on the mRNA is referred to as the anticodon. | Stop codon are triplet of nucleotide on mRNA which marks the position where translation stops |
| Location | It is located in the anticodon loop of tRNA | It is present on the 3′ end of the transcribed mRNA sequence |
| Open reading frame | Anticodon is included | Open reading frame does not contain stop codon |
| Complementary Nature | Anticodon is complementary to the codon present on mRNA | It is not complementary in nature. |
| binding | It binds with codon for proteins translation. But it does not bind with stop codon | It does not bind with anticodon. Thus it marks the end of translation. |
Conclusion:
In order to synthesise a functional protein during translation, codon and anticodon are both involved in placing amino acids in the proper order. They are both nucleotide triplets. The sixty one codons need complementary base pairs with sixty one different tRNAs. A common characteristic is the complementary base pairs between the anticodon and the codon. The complementary nature of codons and anticodons is hence their primary distinction.
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Hi…I am Sadiqua Noor, done Postgraduation in Biotechnology, my area of interest is molecular biology and genetics, apart from these I have a keen interest in scientific article writing in simpler words so that the people from non-science backgrounds can also understand the beauty and gifts of science. I have 5 years of experience as a tutor.
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