How does the tRNA recognize the specific aminoacyl tRNA synthetase?
From the above structure of tRNA, it is evident that it has 3 arms that give a three point landing on an aminoacyl tRNA synthetase enzyme. The nucleotide sequence on these 3 arms give the tRNA a specific geometry that dictates the position of the 3-point landing. The orientation of the 3 arms is specific for each tRNA species and thus it bonds only to a specific site on the synthetase enzyme thus dictating its specificity for the synthetase. For eg: leucine-carrying tRNA has specific geometry with respect to its 3-arms and thus bonds in a specific orientation to its tRNA synthetase. Accurate translation of genetic code is dependent upon accurate attachment of the amino acid to its cognate tRNA molecule. This accuracy is maintained by editing mechanisms carried out by aminoacyltRNA synthetases (aaRSs). AaRSs catalyze a two-step aminoacylation reaction: (i) activation of the amino acid with adenosine triphosphate (ATP), forming an aminoacyl-adenylate intermediate, and (ii) (ii) the trans
