Structure determination of a nucleoside Q precursor isolated from E. coli tRNA: 7-{aminomethyl)-7-deazaguanosine

A precursor of modified nucleoside Q isolated from E. coli methyl-deficient tRNA was determined to be 7-(aminomethyl)-7-deazaguanosine. The structure was deduced by means of its chromatographic and electrophoretic mobilities, and UV and mass spectra, in addition to comparison with the synthesized authentic compound. The same molecule is also found in tRNA of an E. coli mutant selected for deficient synthesis of modified nucleosides.