The spelling of "Phe tRNA Ligase" is based on its pronunciation in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "Phe," is pronounced as /fi:/, with the "Ph" representing the sound /f/ and the "e" representing a long vowel sound /i:/. The second part, "tRNA," is pronounced as /ti: 'a:r 'en ei:/, with the emphasis on the second syllable and the "RNA" sounding like /'a:r 'en ei:/. The final part, "Ligase," is pronounced as /'laɪgeɪz/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "a" sounding like /eɪ/.
Phe tRNA Ligase is an enzyme that plays a critical role in protein synthesis by catalyzing the attachment of the amino acid phenylalanine to its corresponding transfer RNA (tRNA) molecule. This ligase specifically targets the tRNA molecule carrying the amino acid phenylalanine, ensuring its accurate pairing with the appropriate codon during the translation process.
The binding of phenylalanine to its corresponding tRNA molecule is crucial for the accurate incorporation of phenylalanine into the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis. Phe tRNA Ligase catalyzes this reaction by forming a high-energy bond between the carboxyl group of phenylalanine and the 3'-OH group of the tRNA molecule. This process is powered by ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is hydrolyzed to ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and inorganic phosphate upon the formation of the aminoacyl-tRNA complex.
The precise recognition of the correct phenylalanine-tRNA pair by Phe tRNA Ligase is crucial for maintaining the fidelity of protein synthesis. Any errors in this process can lead to the incorporation of incorrect amino acids in the growing polypeptide chain, potentially leading to the production of non-functional or aberrant proteins.
Overall, Phe tRNA Ligase is an essential enzyme in cellular translation machinery that ensures the accurate attachment of phenylalanine to its corresponding tRNA molecule, thereby contributing to the accurate synthesis of proteins in cells.