During the process of protein synthesis, each transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule carries one of which of the following?

Introduction / Context:
This question targets your understanding of the translation stage of protein synthesis and the specific role of transfer RNA. tRNA molecules are essential for correctly decoding genetic information and linking it to the appropriate amino acids that build proteins.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The context is protein synthesis, particularly translation.
• tRNA molecules have anticodons that pair with codons on messenger RNA.
• The options describe amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids, and nucleic acid chains.
• We must determine what each tRNA carries to the ribosome.

Concept / Approach:
During translation, each tRNA acts as an adaptor that matches a specific codon in messenger RNA with a corresponding amino acid. An enzyme called aminoacyl tRNA synthetase attaches the proper amino acid to the tRNA. Thus, each tRNA carries exactly one type of amino acid to the ribosome, where it is incorporated into the growing polypeptide chain. By recalling this adaptor function, we can pick the correct option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that messenger RNA contains codons, three base sequences that specify particular amino acids.Step 2: Each tRNA has a complementary anticodon that recognizes one or more codons and binds to them during translation.Step 3: Before translation, tRNA molecules are charged with a specific amino acid by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases.Step 4: When the tRNA anticodon pairs with a codon in the ribosome, the amino acid carried by that tRNA is added to the growing polypeptide chain.Step 5: Therefore, each tRNA carries one amino acid during the process of protein synthesis.

Verification / Alternative check:
Many textbook diagrams show tRNA molecules with an anticodon at one end and an attached amino acid at the other end. These diagrams emphasize that tRNA links the nucleic acid language of codons to the amino acid language of proteins. This visual representation confirms that amino acid is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nucleotide: Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA, but each tRNA does not carry a single nucleotide as its payload in translation; rather, it is composed of nucleotides itself.
Fatty acid: Fatty acids are components of lipids and are not directly transported by tRNA during protein synthesis.
Nucleic acid chain: tRNA molecules are themselves short nucleic acid chains, but the question asks what each tRNA carries as cargo, which is an amino acid, not another nucleic acid chain.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners confuse the structure of tRNA with its function. They may think tRNA carries codons or nucleotides rather than amino acids. Others may mix up tRNA with messenger RNA or ribosomal RNA. Keeping the image of tRNA as an adaptor carrying one amino acid for each anticodon helps avoid this confusion.

Final Answer:
During protein synthesis, each transfer RNA molecule carries one Amino acid.