CCA amino acid binding end

Definition

The CCA amino acid binding end is a specific sequence of three nucleotides (cytosine-cytosine-adenine) at the 3' end of tRNA molecules where an amino acid attaches during protein synthesis. This sequence plays a critical role in the translation process within cells.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The CCA tail is essential for the function of tRNA in protein synthesis.
2. It serves as the attachment site for amino acids, facilitating their incorporation into the growing polypeptide chain.
3. Enzymes called tRNA nucleotidyltransferases add the CCA sequence to tRNAs that lack it after transcription.
4. Mutations or defects in the CCA tail can lead to severe disruptions in protein synthesis.
5. The same CCA sequence is conserved across different species, indicating its fundamental importance.

Review Questions

Related terms

tRNA:

Transfer RNA, a type of RNA molecule that helps decode a messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence into a protein.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase: An enzyme that attaches an amino acid to its corresponding tRNA.

Ribosome:

A molecular machine that facilitates the translation of mRNA into proteins by coordinating with tRNAs and various other factors.