TRNA: Difference between revisions
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Transfer RNA molecules (tRNAs) are small RNA molecules usually approximately 80 [[Nucleotide|nucleotides]] in length, that function as adaptor [[Molecule|molecules]] during the [[Translation|translation]] of [[MRNA|mRNA]] into an [[Amino acid|amino acid ]] sequence <ref | Transfer RNA molecules (tRNAs) are small RNA molecules usually approximately 80 [[Nucleotide|nucleotides]] in length, that function as adaptor [[Molecule|molecules]] during the [[Translation|translation]] of [[MRNA|mRNA]] into an [[Amino acid|amino acid ]] sequence <ref>Snustad, D. Peter. (2010). Principles Of Genetics.Hobeken: Wiley &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Sons</ref>.<br> | ||
=== Structure<br> === | === Structure<br> === | ||
The structure of tRNA arises through the ability of [[RNA|RNA]] to fold into three-dimensional shapes using [[Watson and Crick|Watson and Crick]] base pairing. If there are large enough regions of overlap tRNA will fold into a shape that resembles a cloverleaf. This will undergo further folding, by [[Hydrogen bonds|hydrogen bonding]], to form a compact L-shaped structure <ref | The structure of tRNA arises through the ability of [[RNA|RNA]] to fold into three-dimensional shapes using [[Watson and Crick|Watson and Crick]] base pairing. If there are large enough regions of overlap tRNA will fold into a shape that resembles a cloverleaf. This will undergo further folding, by [[Hydrogen bonds|hydrogen bonding]], to form a compact L-shaped structure <ref>Alberts, Bruce et al. (2009). New York: Garland Science</ref>. | ||
The cloverleaf structure of tRNA is composed of an [[Anticodon|anticodon]], a triplet of [[Nucleotide|nucleotides]] that is complementary to corresponding [[Codon|codons]] on mRNA nolecules. tRNAS also have a short single stranded region at a tRNAs 3' end where [[ | The cloverleaf structure of tRNA is composed of an [[Anticodon|anticodon]], a triplet of [[Nucleotide|nucleotides]] that is complementary to corresponding [[Codon|codons]] on mRNA nolecules. tRNAS also have a short single stranded region at a tRNAs 3' end where [[Amino acids|amino acids]] that match an [[MRNA|mRNA]] [[Codon|codon]] are attached <ref>Champe et al.(2008). Biochemistry. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Wilkins</ref>. <br> | ||
=== Function<br> === | === Function<br> === | ||
The [[ | The [[Amino acids|amino acids]] that bond to produce a [[Proteins|protein]] do not bind to [[MRNA|mRNA]]. They require an adaptor molecule to bind to mRNA at one point and to the [[Amino acids|amino acid]] at another. This adaptor molecule is tRNA. | ||
The genetic code is described as redundant/[[Degenerate code|degenerate]] as there are 64 [[Codon|codons]] coding for only 20 [[ | The genetic code is described as redundant/[[Degenerate code|degenerate]] as there are 64 [[Codon|codons]] coding for only 20 [[Amino acids|amino acids]]. There is more than one tRNA [[Molecule|molecule]] for some of the [[Amino acids|amino acids]]. Some tRNAs can bind to more than one codon. The theory of one tRNA being able to bind to more than one codon is known as the [[Wobble Hypothesis|Wobble hypothesis]] <ref>Alberts, Bruce et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science</ref>. | ||
=== References<br> === | === References<br> === | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
Revision as of 17:10, 21 December 2010
Transfer RNA molecules (tRNAs) are small RNA molecules usually approximately 80 nucleotides in length, that function as adaptor molecules during the translation of mRNA into an amino acid sequence [1].
Structure
The structure of tRNA arises through the ability of RNA to fold into three-dimensional shapes using Watson and Crick base pairing. If there are large enough regions of overlap tRNA will fold into a shape that resembles a cloverleaf. This will undergo further folding, by hydrogen bonding, to form a compact L-shaped structure [2].
The cloverleaf structure of tRNA is composed of an anticodon, a triplet of nucleotides that is complementary to corresponding codons on mRNA nolecules. tRNAS also have a short single stranded region at a tRNAs 3' end where amino acids that match an mRNA codon are attached [3].
Function
The amino acids that bond to produce a protein do not bind to mRNA. They require an adaptor molecule to bind to mRNA at one point and to the amino acid at another. This adaptor molecule is tRNA.
The genetic code is described as redundant/degenerate as there are 64 codons coding for only 20 amino acids. There is more than one tRNA molecule for some of the amino acids. Some tRNAs can bind to more than one codon. The theory of one tRNA being able to bind to more than one codon is known as the Wobble hypothesis [4].
References
- ↑ Snustad, D. Peter. (2010). Principles Of Genetics.Hobeken: Wiley &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Sons
- ↑ Alberts, Bruce et al. (2009). New York: Garland Science
- ↑ Champe et al.(2008). Biochemistry. Baltimore: Lippincott Williams &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Wilkins
- ↑ Alberts, Bruce et al. (2008). Molecular Biology of the Cell. New York: Garland Science