Ribonuclease Z

TRNase Z (EC 3.1.26.11, 3 tRNase, tRNA 3 endonuclease, RNase Z, 3' tRNase) is an enzyme. Among other things, it catalyses the reactions involved in the maturation of tRNAs. Here, it endonucleolyticly cleaves the RNA and removes extra 3' nucleotides from the tRNA precursor, generating the 3' termini of tRNAs. A 3'-hydroxy group is left at the tRNA terminus and a 5'-phosphoryl group is left at the trailer molecule. Similarly, it processes tRNA-like molecules such as mascRNA. The enzyme does not use a cofactor.