Abstract
Modern transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are composed of ~76 nucleotides and play an important role as “adaptor” molecules that mediate the translation of information from messenger RNAs (mRNAs). Many studies suggest that the contemporary full-length tRNA was formed by the ligation of half-sized hairpin-like RNAs. A minihelix (a coaxial stack of the acceptor stem on the T-stem of tRNA) can function both in aminoacylation by aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and in peptide bond formation on the ribosome, indicating that it may be a vestige of the ancestral tRNA. The universal CCA-3′ terminus of tRNA is also a typical characteristic of the molecule. “Why CCA?” is the fundamental unanswered question, but several findings give a comprehensive picture of its origin. Here, the origins and early evolution of tRNA are discussed in terms of various perspectives, including nucleotide ligation, chiral selectivity of amino acids, genetic code evolution, and the organization of the ribosomal peptidyl transferase center (PTC). The proto-tRNA molecules may have evolved not only as adaptors but also as contributors to the composition of the ribosome.
Highlights
Origins of transfer RNAs (tRNAs)Francis Crick once remarked that transfer RNA (tRNA) looks like nature’s attempt to make RNA do the job of a protein [1]. tRNA, discovered by Paul Zamecnik and collaborators [2], is a literal “adaptor” molecule [3] that mediates the translation of information from messenger RNAs (mRNAs)
Research Institute for Science and Technology, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Abstract: Modern transfer RNAs are composed of ~76 nucleotides and play an important role as “adaptor” molecules that mediate the translation of information from messenger RNAs
As the formation of aminoacyl adenylate has been proven to 1occur system, the aminoacyl phosphate oligonucleotide and the universal CCA sequence at the 3 -end of the prebiotically [29], a model system of transfer RNAs (tRNAs) aminoacylation based on activated amino acids has been minihelix are in close proximity to each other and are bridged by another oligonucleotide
Summary
Francis Crick once remarked that transfer RNA (tRNA) looks like nature’s attempt to make RNA do the job of a protein [1]. tRNA, discovered by Paul Zamecnik and collaborators [2], is a literal “adaptor” molecule [3] that mediates the translation of information from messenger RNAs (mRNAs). TRNA was the first non-coding RNA to be discovered. Our knowledge of the functions of non-coding RNAs has expanded drastically, especially in the area of microRNAs [4]. The cloverleaf secondary structure of a tRNA molecule folds into the L-shaped three-dimensional conformation through complex tertiary interactions, including those between the D-arm and T-arm (Figure 1). Each arm of the L-shaped tRNA structure is composed of the acceptor stem plus T-stem/loop, and the. The RNA world is believed to account for the development of primitive life on Earth. L-shaped tertiary structure; both structures have corresponding colors. TRNA tRNA structure folds to the L-shaped tertiary structure; both structures have corresponding colors. Several positions are numbered to “discriminator”, which is non-base-paired in most cases.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
