Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Practical Aspects of Sample Preparation and Setup of 1H R1ρ Relaxation Dispersion Experiments of RNA
Published on: July 9, 2021
Electron hole flow patterns through the RNA-cleaving 8-17 deoxyribozyme yield unusual information about its structure
Edward K Y Leung1, Dipankar Sen
1Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, V5A 1S6, Canada.
Abstract:
DNA double helices have been shown to conduct electron holes over significant distances. Here, we report on the hole flow patterns within a more intricately folded DNA complex, the 8-17 deoxyribozyme bound to a DNA pseudosubstrate, incorporating three helical elements and two catalytically relevant loops. The observed hole flow patterns within the complex permitted a quantitative assessment of the stacking preferences of the three constituent helices and provided evidence for significant transitions within the complex's global geometry. The patterns further suggested varying levels of solvent exposure of the complex's constituent parts, and revealed that a catalytically relevant cytosine within the folded complex exists in an unusual structural/electronic environment. Our data suggest that the study of charge flow may provide novel perspectives on the structure and folding of intricately folded DNAs and RNAs.
Related Concept Videos
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Structure
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...
RNA Structure
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...
Ribozymes
Ribozymes can be...
Nucleic Acid Structure
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...
RNA Stability

