[Campbell Biology P.398] Which of the following statements accurately describes the function... | Practice Question
Which of the following statements accurately describes the function and mechanism of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases?
A: These enzymes form peptide bonds between amino acids and growing polypeptide chains on the ribosome.
B: They catalyze the covalent attachment of an amino acid to its specific tRNA, a process that requires ATP hydrolysis.
C: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases read mRNA codons and recruit the corresponding tRNAs to the ribosome.
D: Each aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase is responsible for attaching all 61 types of tRNAs to their respective amino acids.
Explanation
Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are a family of enzymes responsible for accurately matching up tRNAs with their corresponding amino acids. They catalyze the covalent attachment of an amino acid to its specific tRNA, a process that is endergonic and driven by the hydrolysis of ATP.