How is a tRNA able to recognize its proper mRNA codon?
◦ The amino acid on the tRNA recognizes the mRNA codon through hydrogen and ionic bonding.
◦ Appropriate shape of the tRNA allows it to fit onto the extended mRNA strand.
◦ Complementary hydrogen bonding between tRNA and mRNA promote binding.
◦ Ionic bonds between the tRNA and the active site of the ribosomal subunits promote binding to the mRNA.
◦ Hydrogen bonding between the ribosomal subunits and the mRNA creates the proper active site conformation to allow tRNA binding.