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Related Concept Videos

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Initiation of Translation02:33

Initiation of Translation

Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
Improving Translational Accuracy02:07

Improving Translational Accuracy

Base complementarity between the three base pairs of mRNA codon and the tRNA anticodon is not a failsafe mechanism. Inaccuracies can range from a single mismatch to no correct base pairing at all. The free energy difference between the correct and nearly correct base pairs can be as small as 3 kcal/ mol. With complementarity being the only proofreading step, the estimated error frequency would be one wrong amino acid in every 100 amino acids incorporated. However, error frequencies observed in...
Types of RNA01:20

Types of RNA

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse...

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Chemical Triphosphorylation of Oligonucleotides
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Chemical Triphosphorylation of Oligonucleotides

Published on: June 2, 2022

Multiple translational products from a five-nucleotide ribozyme.

Rebecca M Turk1, Nataliya V Chumachenko, Michael Yarus

  • 1Department of Molecular, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0347, USA.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
|February 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

A small RNA enzyme (ribozyme) can attach an amino acid to another RNA molecule, mimicking protein synthesis. This finding suggests tiny RNA enzymes may have played a role in early translation.

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Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis
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Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis

Published on: July 6, 2021

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Origin of Life

Background:

  • Protein biosynthesis relies on tRNA aminoacylation by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.
  • The origin of translation and the role of RNA in early life remain key research questions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential for RNA enzymes to perform aminoacylation.
  • To explore the minimal requirements for RNA-based translational activity.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of a 5-nt RNA enzyme with a 3-nt active center.
  • Assay of trans-phenylalanylation of a 4-nt RNA using PheAMP.
  • Analysis of reaction conditions, including cation dependence.

Main Results:

  • The small ribozyme selectively aminoacylates the terminal 2' position of a 4-nt RNA with phenylalanine.
  • The reaction proceeds efficiently without divalent cations and with minimal monovalent cation dependence.
  • The initial aminoacylation product can be further elongated into peptidyl-RNAs.

Conclusions:

  • A minuscule RNA enzyme demonstrates regiospecific aminoacylation activity, mimicking a key step in protein synthesis.
  • Minimal requirements for this RNA-catalyzed reaction support the hypothesis of early RNA-based translation.
  • This discovery provides insights into the evolution of the translational machinery.