Where are tRNAs transcribed and where do they function in eukaryotes?

tRNA in Eukaryotes

tRNA (transfer RNA) is a type of RNA molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. In eukaryotic cells, tRNAs are transcribed in the nucleus by RNA polymerase III. The process of transcription involves creating a pre-tRNA molecule that undergoes processing to become a mature tRNA.

After the tRNA is processed in the nucleus, it is released into the cytoplasm where it carries out its function. Once in the cytoplasm, tRNA acts as an intermediary molecule that helps in the translation of the genetic code into proteins.

Function of tRNA

Once in the cytoplasm, tRNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by bringing specific amino acids to the ribosome. The tRNA molecule contains an anticodon region that recognizes and binds to the corresponding codon on the mRNA during translation.

The correct amino acid is loaded onto the tRNA by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme. This aminoacyl-tRNA complex is then delivered to the ribosome, where the amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain according to the codons on the mRNA.

In conclusion, tRNAs in eukaryotes are transcribed in the nucleus but function in the cytoplasm, serving as essential molecules in the process of protein synthesis.