Unlocking the Mystery of How Molecular Scissors Work in tRNA
Today, scientists have discovered a novel function of molecular scissors known as tRNA-specific endonucleases. These enzymes are found in a variety of organisms, including humans, and are responsible for cutting tRNA molecules. This is the first time that researchers have been able to observe the exact process of how this enzyme works. The research team was able to capture the enzyme in action, exposing the tRNA molecules to the enzyme and then monitoring the reaction. They found that the enzyme cuts the tRNA molecule at two specific sites, known as the ‘cutsite’. This process allows the tRNA molecule to interact with proteins and eventually perform its job in the cell. This new insight into the workings of tRNA-specific endonucleases could lead to new treatments and therapies related to human diseases.
source: Phys.org