Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

Single Molecule Fluorescence Energy Transfer Study of Ribosome Protein Synthesis
Published on: July 6, 2021
An orthogonal ribosome-tRNA pair via engineering of the peptidyl transferase center
Naohiro Terasaka1, Gosuke Hayashi2, Takayuki Katoh3
11] Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. [2].
Abstract:
The Watson-Crick base pairs between the 3'-terminal end of tRNAs and ribosomal RNA in the peptidyl transferase center are universally conserved. Here, we report that the introduction of compensatory mutations to Escherichia coli RNAs in this site leads to an orthogonal system independent of the wild-type counterpart, as demonstrated via the production of two peptide sequences from a single mRNA. This work thus identifies a new way to reprogram the genetic code.
Related Concept Videos
Improving Translational Accuracy
tRNA Activation
tRNA Activation
Transfer RNA Synthesis
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
Transfer RNA Synthesis
Ribosomes
Ribosome Structure and Assembly
Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. In eukaryotes, rRNA is transcribed from genes in the nucleolus—a part of the nucleus that specializes in ribosome...

