An anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides found on a molecule of transfer RNA (tRNA). It is complementary to a corresponding codon on messenger RNA (mRNA), which is part of the process of translating genetic information into proteins. Each anticodon pairs with a specific codon during protein synthesis, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing polypeptide chain. The pairing of the anticodon and codon follows the base-pairing rules, where adenine (A) pairs with uracil (U), and cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G). This precise matching is crucial for maintaining the accuracy of protein synthesis, which is essential for cellular function and overall organismal health.