tRNAd

tRNAd, also known as transfer RNA aspartic acid or tRNA for aspartic acid, is a specific type of transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule involved in protein synthesis. Like other tRNA molecules, tRNAd plays a crucial role in translating genetic information from messenger RNA (mRNA) into a sequence of amino acids to form proteins.

tRNAd is characterized by its unique cloverleaf secondary structure, which includes an amino acid attachment site, an anticodon that recognizes specific mRNA codons, and various other structural features that facilitate its function within the ribosome. The primary function of tRNAd is to deliver aspartic acid (Asp) to the growing polypeptide chain during translation. This amino acid specificity is determined by the recognition of the corresponding codon on the mRNA, which pairs with the anticodon region of the tRNAd.

The gene encoding tRNAd is transcribed from DNA by RNA polymerase III. After transcription, the tRNAd molecule undergoes several processing steps, including base modifications and folding, to achieve its functional conformation. The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase enzyme specific for aspartic acid catalyzes the attachment of Asp to tRNAd, forming aminoacyl-tRNA^Asp.

tRNAd is essential for accurate and efficient protein synthesis in all living organisms. Its proper function ensures that the genetic code is correctly translated into proteins, impacting cell function and overall organismal health. Mutations or defects in tRNAd or its processing enzymes can lead to translation errors, potentially causing cellular dysfunction or disease.