Linking Amino Acids to tRNA

Question 1

Definition of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 1

• Catalyzes addition of amino acid to correct tRNA
• Requires hydrolysis of ATP

Question 2

Step 1 of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 2

Active site binds to amino acid and ATP

Question 3

Step 2 of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 3

• ATP loses 2 phosphate groups
• Bonds to the amino acid as AMP

Question 4

Step 3 of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 4

The appropriate tRNA covalently bonds to the amino acid, displacing AMP

Question 5

Step 4 of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase

Answer 5

• The tRNA charged with the amino acid is released by the enzyme