tRNA Structure and Function

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Questions and Answers

What is the approximate number of nucleotides in a tRNA molecule?

70-90 (correct)

100-120

150-180

50-60

What type of base pair is formed between the tRNA anticodon and the mRNA codon in order to allow for more flexibility in the codon-anticodon recognition process?

G-C wobble pairs

Standard Watson-Crick base pairs

G-U wobble pairs (correct)

A-A wobble pairs

What is the primary function of the anticodon arm in tRNA?

To carry the amino acid

To recognize the mRNA codon (correct)

To form peptide bonds

To catalyze the aminoacylation reaction

What is the role of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases in the aminoacylation process?

To catalyze the aminoacylation reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of tRNA during protein synthesis?

To act as an adapter molecule, bringing amino acids to the ribosome Signup and view all the answers

What is the type of loop found in the T-arm of the tRNA cloverleaf structure?

Thymidine (T) loop Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the pseudouridine (Ψ) in tRNA?

It provides flexibility to the tRNA molecule by allowing non-canonical base pairing Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the dihydrouridine (D) arm in tRNA?

It does not have any significant function in tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the D-arm in tRNA?

It has no specific function in tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the wobble position in the anticodon arm of tRNA?

It allows for non-canonical base pairing between the anticodon and codon Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the hydrogen bonding between the conserved bases in tRNA?

It helps in maintaining the structural integrity of the tRNA molecule Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of class 1 to class 2 tRNAs?

75:25 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the acceptor arm in tRNA?

It is responsible for the binding of the amino acid to the tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of the L-shaped tertiary structure of tRNA?

It allows for the maximum separation between the amino acid and the anticodon Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the extra arm in tRNA?

It has no specific function in tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of referring to a tRNA as 'tRNAaa' or 'aa-tRNAaa'?

To specify the amino acid carried by the tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'isoacceptor' tRNAs?

They recognize different codons for the same amino acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the number of tRNA isoacceptors and the number of codons for an amino acid?

The number of tRNA isoacceptors is less than or equal to the number of codons Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'isodecoders' in the context of tRNA?

They have the same anticodon and amino acid specificity but differ in sequence Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate number of tRNA isoacceptors in cells?

Between 28 and 55 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the nomenclature system used for tRNAs?

To refer to all types of tRNAs that exist Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the number of tRNA isodecoders and the number of amino acids?

The number of tRNA isodecoders oscillates between 44 and 257 Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the different types of tRNAs?

They recognize different codons for the same amino acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the nomenclature system used for tRNAs?

To refer to the specific amino acid carried by the tRNA Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the anticodon of a tRNA?

It recognizes the codon on the mRNA Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Structure

tRNA (transfer RNA) is a single-stranded RNA molecule that brings amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis
Consists of approximately 70-90 nucleotides
Has a cloverleaf secondary structure with four arms:
- Acceptor arm: carries the amino acid
- D-arm: contains a dihydrouridine (D) loop
- Anticodon arm: contains the anticodon sequence that recognizes the mRNA codon
- T-arm: contains a thymidine (T) loop

Wobble Pairs

Wobble pairs are non-standard base pairs that occur between the tRNA anticodon and the mRNA codon
Allow for more flexibility in the codon-anticodon recognition process
Can be formed by:
- G-U wobble pairs
- Inosine (I) in the anticodon, which can pair with A, C, or U

Recognition

tRNA recognition occurs through the interaction between the anticodon and the mRNA codon
The anticodon is complementary to the mRNA codon
The recognition process involves:
- Codon-anticodon binding
- Proofreading and editing mechanisms to ensure accurate recognition

Functions

tRNA functions as an adapter molecule, bringing amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis
Plays a crucial role in the translation of genetic information from mRNA to protein
Functions include:
- Amino acid transport
- Codon recognition
- Peptide bond formation

Aminoacylation

Aminoacylation is the process of attaching an amino acid to the tRNA molecule
Occurs through a high-energy bond between the amino acid and the tRNA acceptor arm
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are enzymes that catalyze the aminoacylation reaction
Ensures accurate and efficient translation of genetic information into protein sequences

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Description

Learn about the structure and function of transfer RNA (tRNA), including its role in protein synthesis, amino acid transport, and codon recognition. Understand the importance of tRNA in the translation of genetic information from mRNA to protein.