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Chapter 13: Problem 7

Summarize the steps involved in charging tRNAs with their appropriate amino acids.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Question: Explain the process of tRNA charging, also known as tRNA aminoacylation, and its importance in protein synthesis.

Step by step solution

01

Recognition of tRNA molecules by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are responsible for recognizing and binding to specific tRNA molecules based on their unique structural features and anticodon sequences. Each aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase only binds to tRNAs that will carry its corresponding amino acid. The synthetase monitors the tRNA's acceptor stem and anticodon loop to ensure accurate matching.
02

Activation of the amino acid

The next step involves the activation of a specific amino acid by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. This is achieved by attaching the amino acid to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), forming an aminoacyl-AMP intermediate (which is an amino acid bound to AMP) and releasing inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) as a byproduct, as shown by the equation: Amino acid + ATP → Aminoacyl-AMP + PPi
03

Binding of the tRNA to the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Once the amino acid has been activated, tRNA binds to its corresponding aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase, forming a synthetase-tRNA complex.
04

Formation of the aminoacyl-tRNA complex

The aminoacyl-AMP is transferred from the synthetase to the 3' end of the tRNA molecule (specifically the CCA sequence) to form an ester bond. The aminoacyl-tRNA complex is then formed, and AMP is released in the process. The aminoacyl-tRNA complex is now ready to participate in the protein synthesis process. The overall equation for this step is: Aminoacyl-AMP + tRNA → Aminoacyl-tRNA + AMP By following these four steps, tRNAs become charged with their appropriate amino acids and are ready to contribute to the assembly of proteins during the translation process in protein synthesis.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Contrast the roles of tRNA and mRNA during translation, and list all enzymes that participate in the translation processes.

How does an enzyme function? Why are enzymes essential for living organisms?

Explain the importance of primary and tertiary structures in the functioning of a protein.

tRNA adapts specific triplet codons in mRNA to their correctamino acids. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer.

Knowing that the base sequence of any given messenger RNA is responsible for precisely ordering the amino acids in a protein, present two mechanisms by which intrinsic properties of mRNA may regulate the "net output" of a given gene.
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