Final answer:
ATP is essential for the function of aminoacyl tRNA synthetase in charging tRNAs with amino acids. It provides the energy for the formation of a high-energy bond between an amino acid and tRNA, making the tRNA ready for protein synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
ATP is used by aminoacyl tRNA synthetase to carry out the process of charging transfer RNAs (tRNAs) with their corresponding amino acids during protein synthesis. This process involves a three-step mechanism:
- ATP and an amino acid bind to aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase. ATP is then hydrolyzed, leading to the release of pyrophosphate (PPi) and the formation of an enzyme-AMP-amino acid complex.
- The amino acid is transferred from the AMP to the tRNA, effectively charging the tRNA.
- The tRNA charged with the amino acid is then ready for use in the translation process to synthesize proteins.
The ATP hydrolysis provides the energy necessary to form a high-energy bond between the amino acid and AMP and to ultimately attach the amino acid to the tRNA, resulting in a charged tRNA that is essential for protein synthesis.