Transfer RNA-like structures (tRNA-like structures) are RNA sequences, which have a similar tertiary structure to tRNA; they frequently contain a

pseudoknot __NOTOC__ A pseudoknot is a nucleic acid secondary structure containing at least two stem-loop structures in which half of one stem is intercalated between the two halves of another stem. The pseudoknot was first recognized in the Turnip yellow m ...

close to the 3' end. The presence of tRNA-like structures has been demonstrated in many plant virus RNA genomes. These tRNA-like structures are linked to regulation of plant virus replication. tRNA-like structures mimic some tRNA function, such as

aminoacylation Aminoacylation is the process of adding an aminoacyl group to a compound. See also * Acylation * tRNA aminoacylation * Transfer RNA-like structures References Organic reactions {{Reaction-stub ...

. There are three

specificities,

valine Valine (symbol Val or V) is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α- amino group (which is in the protonated −NH3+ form under biological conditions), an α- carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotona ...

histidine Histidine (symbol His or H) is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated –NH3+ form under biological conditions), a carboxylic acid group (which is in the ...

and

tyrosine -Tyrosine or tyrosine (symbol Tyr or Y) or 4-hydroxyphenylalanine is one of the 20 standard amino acids that are used by cells to synthesize proteins. It is a non-essential amino acid with a polar side group. The word "tyrosine" is from the G ...

. For example, valine binds to the tRNA-like structure of the

turnip yellow mosaic virus ''Turnip yellow mosaic virus'' (TYMV) is an isometric ''Tymovirus'' of the family ''Tymoviridae''. Its host range is confined almost entirely to plants in the genus '' Brassica'' in western Europe, which includes cabbages, cauliflower and br ...

genome whilst tyrosine binds to the tRNA-like structure of the barley stripe mosaic virus genome. tRNA-like structures which lack the 3' termini lack complete or partial tRNA mimicry. tRNA-like structures are required for RNA encapsulation and increase RNA stability. They also act as 3'-translational enhancers and regulators of minus strand synthesis.

References

{{reflist RNA Gene expression Cis-regulatory RNA elements