Stringent Nucleotide Recognition by the Ribosome at the Middle Codon Position

Accurate translation of the genetic code depends on mRNA:tRNA codon:anticodon base pairing. Here we exploit an emissive, isosteric adenosine surrogate that allows direct measurement of the kinetics of codon:anticodon University of California base formation during protein synthesis. Our results sugge...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Wei Liu, Dongwon Shin, Martin Ng, Karissa Y. Sanbonmatsu, Yitzhak Tor, Barry S. Cooperman
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2017-08-01
Series:Molecules
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/9/1427
Description
Summary:Accurate translation of the genetic code depends on mRNA:tRNA codon:anticodon base pairing. Here we exploit an emissive, isosteric adenosine surrogate that allows direct measurement of the kinetics of codon:anticodon University of California base formation during protein synthesis. Our results suggest that codon:anticodon base pairing is subject to tighter constraints at the middle position than at the 5′- and 3′-positions, and further suggest a sequential mechanism of formation of the three base pairs in the codon:anticodon helix.
ISSN:1420-3049