Biochemistry: How two amino acids become one

Nature. 2011 Mar 31;471(7340):583-4. doi: 10.1038/471583a.

Abstract

Twenty amino acids form the basis of all proteins, but another two genetically encoded amino acids have also been discovered. The biosynthesis of one of these, pyrrolysine, has now been elucidated.

Publication types

  • News
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / genetics
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases / metabolism
  • Archaeal Proteins / chemistry
  • Archaeal Proteins / genetics
  • Archaeal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Biocatalysis
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism
  • Genetic Code / genetics
  • Lysine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Lysine / biosynthesis
  • Lysine / chemistry
  • Lysine / genetics
  • Lysine / metabolism*
  • Methanosarcina / chemistry
  • Methanosarcina / enzymology
  • Methanosarcina / genetics*
  • Methanosarcina / metabolism*
  • Methyltransferases / chemistry
  • Methyltransferases / genetics
  • Methyltransferases / metabolism
  • Ornithine / chemistry
  • Ornithine / metabolism
  • RNA, Transfer, Amino Acid-Specific / genetics
  • RNA, Transfer, Amino Acid-Specific / metabolism

Substances

  • Archaeal Proteins
  • RNA, Transfer, Amino Acid-Specific
  • Ornithine
  • Methyltransferases
  • monomethylamine methyltransferase
  • Amino Acyl-tRNA Synthetases
  • pyrrolysine
  • Lysine