An analysis of Q and Q∗ containing tRNAs during the development of Lucilia sericata, Musca domestica and Tenebrio molitor

The chromatographic profiles of the family of tRNAs containing the hypermodified nucleoside Q and Q∗ in the first position of their anticodons were examined in the third instar larvae and adults of Lucilia sericata and Musca domestica. The absolute amounts of these tRNAs remained constant during development relative to phenylalanine tRNA. In M. domestica only Q containing forms were found in both larvae and adults while in L. sericata, the larvae contained a significant portion of the Q lacking form. In Tenebrio molitor the Q lacking form of tyrosine tRNA appeared to be only significant in pupae. The developmental patterns of Q biosynthesis in the Diptera therefore range from almost entirely Q containing in M. domestica to entirely Q lacking in Drosophila raised under certain conditions. This suggests that this modification to the anticodon is not playing a common regulatory function in the development of these insects.