An anticodon is a sequence of three adjacent nucleotides located on one end of transfer RNA (tRNA) . It is complementary to a corresponding codon in a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence. Each time an amino acid is added to a growing polypeptide during protein synthesis, a tRNA anticodon pairs with its complementary codon on the mRNA molecule, ensuring that the appropriate amino acid is inserted into the polypeptide. The anticodon is like a translator that helps the cell read the instructions and put the right building blocks in the right places.

Some key points about anticodons are:

• The anticodon is a special code on tRNA that ensures the fidelity and integrity of protein synthesis within the cell.
• Anticodons possess an astonishing potential for diversity and specificity, allowing them to accurately decode the genetic code by recognizing and pairing with complementary codons on messenger RNA.
• Each tRNA carries one amino acid, and has one anticodon. When the anticodon successfully pairs up with an mRNA codon, the cellular machinery knows that the correct amino acid is in place to be added to the growing protein.
• Examples of anticodons include UAC (Uracil-Adenine-Cytosine) and CCA (Cytosine-Cytosine-Adenine) .

In summary, an anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides on tRNA that pairs with a complementary codon on mRNA during protein synthesis. It ensures that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain.