Structural and functional considerations of the aminoacylation reaction

Trends Biochem Sci. 1997 Jun;22(6):211-6. doi: 10.1016/s0968-0004(97)01052-9.

Abstract

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (aaRS) bind their substrates-ATP, amino acids and tRNA- and stabilize putative transition states in the aminoacylation reaction. Here, we discuss the common and distinguishing structural and functional themes of the 20 known aaRS, which can be divided into two main classes (I and II) and into further subgroups on this basis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenosine Triphosphate / metabolism
  • Amino Acids / metabolism
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / chemistry*
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / metabolism*
  • Anticodon / genetics
  • Binding Sites
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Models, Molecular
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Biosynthesis*
  • Protein Conformation
  • Protein Structure, Secondary

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Anticodon
  • Adenosine Triphosphate
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases