Concatemerization of tRNA molecules in the presence of trivaline derivative

The interaction of tRNA with trivaline dansyl hydrazide trifluoroacetate (D HTV) has been studied. The shape of curves of fluorimetric titration of tRN A with DHTV and vice versa can be explained only by formation of DHTV dimer s on tRNA molecules, and subsequent association of DHTV-saturated tRNA mole cules with each other. The ability of tRNA molecules to form concatemers in solution in the presence of DHTV has been demonstrated by electron microsc opy. Electron microscopy of the tRNA-DHTV complexes stained with uranyl ace tate revealed flexible rods 6-7 nm thick and up to several micrometers long . (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical Societies.