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Isolation and partial characterization of selenium-containing tRNA from germinating barley
1Department of Chemistry, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|November 8, 2001
Summary
Selenium-containing transfer RNA (tRNA) was identified in barley using 75Se tracing. Its content is unaffected by sulfur levels, suggesting distinct uptake pathways for selenium and sulfur in tRNA.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Plant Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Selenium-containing transfer RNA (tRNA) was first identified in germinating barley.
- The 75Se isotopic tracer technique is a key method for studying selenium incorporation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of varying selenium and sulfur concentrations on selenium-containing tRNA levels in germinating barley.
- To explore the relationship between selenium and sulfur uptake pathways into tRNA.
Main Methods:
- Isolation, purification, and characterization of selenium-containing tRNAs and their hydrolysates.
- Utilized column chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
- Spectroscopic analysis using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrum.
Main Results:
- The concentration of selenium in tRNA was found to be largely independent of the sulfur content in the growth medium.
- Evidence suggests that selenium and sulfur may not share the exact same metabolic pathway for incorporation into tRNA.
- Selenium was identified within tRNA in the form of 5-methylamine methyl-2-selenouridine, consistent with microbial tRNA.
Conclusions:
- Sulfur concentration does not significantly influence the selenium content of tRNA in germinating barley.
- The distinct uptake mechanisms for selenium and sulfur into tRNA warrant further investigation.
- The specific form of selenium in barley tRNA, 5-methylamine methyl-2-selenouridine, is conserved across different life forms.