Identity elements of Escherichia coli tRNA(Ala)

Studies using the T7 transcription system revealed that the discriminator base A73 and the G20 in the variable pocket play important roles in the Escherichia coli alanine tRNA identity. The C60 in the T-loop, which is unique to alanine tRNA, was not found to be crucial for alanine identity. Anticodon replacement into the valine anticodon UAC did not decrease alanine charging activity, and no alanine charging activity was detected in the mutant valine tRNA possessing the alanine anticodon UGC.