Intensity and anisotropy decays of the Wye base of yeast tRNA(Phe) as measured by frequency-domain fluorometry

The intensity and anisotropy decays of Wye base fluorescence from yeast tRNA(Phe) were determined by frequency-domain fluorometry. The intensity decay is at least a double exponential in the presence and absence of Mg2+, but the multi-exponential character of the decay is more pronounced in the absence of Mg2+. The anisotropy decay displays components due to overall tRNA rotational diffusion and to local torsional motions. The amplitude of the local motion is decreased 2-fold by the presence of Mg2+. The results are broadly consistent with a more homogeneous environment for the Wye base in the presence of Mg2+.