Transfer RNA biosynthesis: the nucleotide sequence of a precursor to serine and proline transfer RNAs.

The nucleotide sequence of a transfer RNA precursor molecule coded by bacteriophage T4 has been determined. The molecule is a single polynucleotide chain which contains two transfer RNA species that are destined to recognize serine and proline. The 3' -CCA(OH) termini of both mature transfer RNA species are absent in the precursor molecule; these termini must therefore be added enzymatically at a subsequent stage of maturation. Nucleotide residues unique to the precursor are located at both ends of the molecule and between the two transfer RNA sequences.