QUEUOSINE Meaning and
Definition
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Queuosine is a modified nucleoside that is found in the transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules of certain organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. It is a derivative of the canonical nucleoside guanosine and is characterized by the presence of a unique queuine base attached to the 7-position of guanine.
Queuosine plays a crucial role in tRNA structure and function. It is primarily found in the anticodon loop of specific tRNA molecules, where it enhances their ability to decode specific codons during protein synthesis. Queuosine modification is known to contribute to accurate and efficient translation of the genetic code, improving the fidelity and efficiency of protein synthesis.
The formation of queuosine in tRNA involves a complex biosynthetic pathway, which requires a series of enzymatic reactions and intermediate compounds. It starts with the conversion of guanosine to queuine, a process catalyzed by the enzyme queuine tRNA-ribosyltransferase. Subsequently, queuine is further modified by several enzymes to form queuosine.
Queuosine is essential for the proper functioning of tRNA molecules and is widely conserved across various organisms. Alterations or deficiencies in queuosine biosynthesis or incorporation have been associated with reduced cell growth, compromised translation efficiency, and potential implications in disease conditions. The study of queuosine and its biological significance continues to be an active area of research.
Common Misspellings for QUEUOSINE
Etymology of QUEUOSINE
The word "queuosine" is derived from the Greek word "κευίνη" (keuinē), which means "to sleep". The suffix "-osine" refers to it being a modified nucleoside. The name "queuosine" was coined because this nucleoside was first discovered in the tRNAs of bacteria during a sleep-like state, where protein synthesis is attenuated.
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