[The tRNA anticodon is recognized by aminoacyl-tRNA-synthetase]

Data concerning the regions of tRNA molecules recognized by cognate aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases and obtained recently by the new methods (the synthesis of mutant tRNA genes and their transcription in vitro, chimeric suppressor tRNA, RNA engineering) are briefly discussed. The results of several laboratories are in full agreement with the hypothesis proposed earlier on the role of a tRNA anticodon as a specific region by which the enzyme identifies various tRNAs. More than half of tRNAs belong to the group recognized by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases by this mechanism. The behavior of natural and artificially constructed tRNAs which contain modified anticodons, but conserve amino acid specificity in the reaction of aminoacylation, indicates that in some tRNAs the role of the anticodon in the tRNA identity is minor if any. This group of tRNA is recognized by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases predominantly via the double helical region of the molecule. The authors discuss the significance of the absence of topographic conservatism in the mechanism by which tRNAs are recognized by the aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases.