The renaissance of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis

The role of tRNA as the adaptor in protein synthesis has held an enduring f ascination for molecular biologists. Over four decades of study, taking in numerous milestones in molecular biology, led to what was widely held to be a fairly complete picture of how tRNAs and amino acids are paired prior to protein synthesis. However, recent developments in genomics and structural biology have revealed an unexpected array of new enzymes, pathways and mec hanisms involved in aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis. As a more complete picture of aminoacyl-tRNA synthesis now begins to emerge, the high degree of evolutio nary diversity in this universal and essential process is becoming clearer.