Methionyl-tRNAs and initiation of protein synthesis in [formula omitted] (L.)

Abstract

Developing seeds of Vicia faba (L.) contain two major and one minor tRNA Met species. Only one of the major species (tRNA 1 Met) is charged by E. coli enzyme and neither can be formylated. The minor species (tRNA 3 Met) is charged and formylated by bean or E. coli enzyme. Results of AUG dependent binding, release of methionyl-puromycin, and N-terminal analysis of the products of endogenous messenger, poly-AUG and poly-UG directed incorporation, all implicate tRNA 1 Met in protein chain initiation; tRNA 3 Met is possibly the initiator tRNA of cell organelles