COMPARISON OF TRANSFER-RNA CONFORMATION DURING DIFFERENT PHASES OF REPRODUCTION

The present study is a comparison of tRNA conformation from ovary of H eteropneustes fossilis in its active phase of reproduction (when it is highly engaged in protein synthesis i.e. previtellogenic phase) with inactive phase (when tRNA is mainly stored in mature ovary i.e. spawni ng phase). Transfer RNA of active phase is shown to be compact, flexib le and susceptible towards nuclease. Compact tRNA structure is evidenc ed by higher hyperchromicity and presence of relatively less Gm modifi cations thereby allowing adequate hydrogen bonding between D loop and T loop. Higher sensitivity of tRNA towards Mg++ reflects its higher fl exibility towards internal environment. This structure of tRNA may be required for active protein synthesis. On the other hand tRNA of inact ive phase is shown to be relaxed but resistant towards nuclease which may be favoured for storage in mature ova of a teleost as maternal car ry over.