Catalyzes the tRNA-independent activation of glutamate in presence of ATP and the subsequent transfer of glutamate onto a tRNA(Asp). Glutamate is transferred on the 2-amino-5-(4,5-dihydroxy-2-cyclopenten-1-yl) moiety of the queuosine in the wobble position of the QUC anticodon (By similarity). Binds 1 zinc ion per subunit. Belongs to the class-I aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase family. GluQ subfamily.