Question

To carry out its role, each transfer RNA requires at least four specific recognition sites that must be inherent in its tertiary structure. What are they?

Short answer

Answer: The four specific recognition sites in tRNA are the amino acid attachment site, the anticodon loop, the TψC loop, and the D loop. The amino acid attachment site is where the specific amino acid is attached to the tRNA molecule. The anticodon loop contains the anticodon sequence that recognizes and binds to the corresponding mRNA codon during protein synthesis. The TψC loop contributes to tRNA stability and recognition by enzymes and factors involved in protein synthesis. The D loop also affects tRNA stability and recognition, and contains modified nucleotides important for proper function.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the role of tRNA in protein synthesis

Transfer RNA (tRNA) plays a crucial role in protein synthesis by acting as an adaptor molecule that carries amino acids to the ribosome, where they are added to the growing peptide chain. The tRNA molecule has a unique structure, with one end binding to a specific amino acid and the other end containing a three-nucleotide anticodon sequence that recognizes the complementary codon in the messenger RNA (mRNA).

Identify the four specific recognition sites in tRNA

The four specific recognition sites in tRNA are necessary for its function in protein synthesis. They are as follows: 1. Amino acid attachment site 2. Anticodon loop 3. TψC loop 4. D loop

Describe the amino acid attachment site

The amino acid attachment site is located at the 3' end of the tRNA molecule and consists of a conserved sequence called the CCA tail (where C, C, and A represent the nucleotides cytosine, cytosine, and adenine). This site is where the specific amino acid is covalently attached to the tRNA through an ester bond, forming an aminoacyl-tRNA complex. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme is responsible for catalyzing this reaction and ensures the correct amino acid is attached to the tRNA molecule.

Describe the anticodon loop

The anticodon loop is a seven-nucleotide loop in the tRNA structure that contains the anticodon sequence. The anticodon is a sequence of three nucleotides that base-pair with the corresponding codon in the mRNA during protein synthesis. The anticodon loop allows the tRNA to recognize and bind to the appropriate codon in the mRNA, ensuring that the correct amino acid is added to the growing peptide chain.

Describe the TψC loop

The TψC loop, also known as the pseudouridine loop or the T loop, is a conserved region found in all tRNAs. It contains the modified nucleotide pseudouridine (represented by the Greek letter psi, ψ) and is involved in the stability and proper folding of the tRNA molecule. The TψC loop is important for the recognition of the tRNA by some enzymes and factors involved in protein synthesis, such as elongation factors.

Describe the D loop

The D loop, also known as the dihydrouridine loop or the D arm, is another conserved region in tRNA molecules that contains several modified nucleotides, including dihydrouridine (represented by the letter D). The D loop contributes to the correct folding and stability of the tRNA molecule and is involved in the recognition of tRNA by some enzymes and factors required for protein synthesis. In conclusion, the four recognition sites necessary for the proper functioning of tRNA in protein synthesis are the amino acid attachment site, the anticodon loop, the TψC loop, and the D loop. Each site plays a crucial role in the stability, folding, and function of tRNA, allowing it to carry out its role as an adaptor molecule in protein synthesis.