This domain is found in the release factor eRF1 which terminates protein biosynthesis by recognizing stop codons at the A site of the ribosome and stimulating peptidyl-tRNA bond hydrolysis at the peptidyl transferase centre. The crystal structure of human eRF1 is known [ PUBMED:10676813 ]. The overall shape and dimensions … expand

This domain is found in the release factor eRF1 which terminates protein biosynthesis by recognizing stop codons at the A site of the ribosome and stimulating peptidyl-tRNA bond hydrolysis at the peptidyl transferase centre. The crystal structure of human eRF1 is known [ PUBMED:10676813 ]. The overall shape and dimensions of eRF1 resemble a tRNA molecule with domains 1, 2, and 3 of eRF1 corresponding to the anticodon loop, aminoacyl acceptor stem, and T stem of a tRNA molecule, respectively. The position of the essential GGQ motif at an exposed tip of domain 2 suggests that the Gln residue coordinates a water molecule to mediate the hydrolytic activity at the peptidyl transferase centre. A conserved groove on domain 1, 80 A from the GGQ motif, is proposed to form the codon recognition site [ PUBMED:10676813 ].

This domain is also found in other proteins for which the precise molecular function is unknown. Many of them are from Archaebacteria. These proteins may also be involved in translation termination but this awaits experimental verification.