Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases

Definition

Aminoacyl tRNA synthetases are enzymes that attach the correct amino acid to its corresponding tRNA molecule during protein synthesis. They play a crucial role in translating genetic information into functional proteins.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 1. There are 20 different aminoacyl tRNA synthetases, one for each amino acid.
2. 2. These enzymes have two main functions: amino acid activation and transfer of the activated amino acid to tRNA.
3. 3. Each synthetase has a high specificity for both its corresponding amino acid and tRNA.
4. 4. Errors in aminoacyl tRNA synthetase activity can lead to incorrect protein synthesis, potentially causing disease.
5. 5. The binding and recognition process involves an initial formation of an enzyme-amino acid complex followed by the transfer of the amino acid to the tRNA.

Review Questions

• 1. What are the two primary functions of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases?
• 2. How many different types of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases exist, and why?
• 3. Why is specificity important for the function of aminoacyl tRNA synthetases?

Related terms

tRNA: Transfer RNA (tRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that helps decode mRNA sequences into proteins during translation.

Ribosome: A ribosome is a molecular machine found within all living cells that performs biological protein synthesis (translation).

Codon: A codon is a set of three nucleotides on mRNA that encode a specific amino acid or signal termination during translation.