Specificity with regard to amino acids in aminoacylation of tRNAIle‐C‐C‐3′dA by isoleucyl‐tRNA synthetase is characterized by discrimination factors (D2) which are calculated from kcat and Km values. The lowest values are observed for Cys, Val, His, and Trp (D2= 180–1700), indicating that at same amino acid concentrations isoleucine is 180–1700 times more attached to tRNAIle‐C‐C‐3′dA. The highest values are observed for Gly, Ala, Ser, Pro, Gln, Leu, Glu, and Phe (D2= 10 000–30 000). D2 values of the other amino acids are in the range of 2000–10 000.
Recognition of most amino acids is achieved in a four‐step process. Two initial discrimination steps are due to different hydrophobic interactions with the binding pockets; two proof‐reading steps occur on the pre‐ and the post‐transfer stage. For nine amino acids (Ser, Asp, Asn, Val, Leu, His, Phe, Lys, Trp) post‐transfer proof‐reading is negligible. As a special case in discrimination of valine, one initial discrimination step and the post‐transfer proof‐reading step are lacking.
The role of the terminal hydroxyl groups of the tRNA for post‐transfer proof‐reading is assigned to a simple neighbouring group effect. No preference for the 2′ or 3′ position in proof‐reading can be postulated.