Search research articles

Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure

RNA Structure

The basic structure of RNA consists of a string of ribonucleotides attached by phosphodiester bonds. 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) involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three...

RNA Structure

RNA Structure

Overview
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

RNA Structure

Overview
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...

Nucleic Acid Structure

Nucleic Acid Structure

The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while in RNA the pentose sugar is ribose. The difference between the sugars is the presence of the hydroxyl group on the ribose's second carbon and a hydrogen on the deoxyribose's second carbon. The phosphate residue attaches to the hydroxyl group of the 5′ carbon of one sugar and the hydroxyl group of the 3′ carbon of the sugar of the next nucleotide, which forms a 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester linkage.
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the cell's genetic blueprint and carry instructions for its functioning.
DNA and RNA
The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals. It is in the nucleus of eukaryotes and in the organelles, chloroplasts, and mitochondria. In prokaryotes, the...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

A toolbox for predicting g-quadruplex formation and stability.

Journal of nucleic acids·2010

Same author

Genome-wide analysis of a G-quadruplex-specific single-chain antibody that regulates gene expression.

Nucleic acids research·2009

Same author

Stable G-quadruplexes are found outside nucleosome-bound regions.

Molecular bioSystems·2009

Same author

Meeting report: second international meeting on quadruplex DNA.

Biochimie·2009

Same author

Function and targeting of G-quadruplexes.

Current opinion in molecular therapeutics·2009

Same author

G-quadruplexes: the beginning and end of UTRs.

Nucleic acids research·2008

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Published on: April 4, 2025

Four-stranded nucleic acids: structure, function and targeting of G-quadruplexes.

Julian Leon Huppert¹

¹Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, JJ Thomson Ave, Cambridge, UKCB3 0HE. jlh29@cam.ac.uk

Chemical Society Reviews

|June 24, 2008

Summary

G-quadruplex structures, rich in guanine, offer alternatives to DNA duplexes. These structures are crucial in biological processes and are key targets for drug development.

More Related Videos

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers

Published on: September 19, 2017

In Vitro Chemical Mapping of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by Bis-3-Chloropiperidines

In Vitro Chemical Mapping of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by Bis-3-Chloropiperidines

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Single-Molecule Fluorescence Visualization of DNA Polymerase Dynamics at G-Quadruplexes

Published on: April 4, 2025

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers

Single-molecule Manipulation of G-quadruplexes by Magnetic Tweezers

Published on: September 19, 2017

In Vitro Chemical Mapping of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by Bis-3-Chloropiperidines

In Vitro Chemical Mapping of G-Quadruplex DNA Structures by Bis-3-Chloropiperidines

Published on: May 12, 2023

Area of Science:

Biochemistry
Structural Biology
Molecular Biology

Background:

Nucleic acids adopt diverse structures beyond the canonical Watson-Crick duplex.
Guanine-rich sequences can form G-quadruplex structures with unique topologies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the formation, structure, and biological significance of G-quadruplexes.
To explore methods for studying G-quadruplexes and their interactions with ligands and proteins.

Main Methods:

Literature review of G-quadruplex formation, chemical interactions, and topological variants.
Discussion of biophysical and biochemical techniques used for G-quadruplex structure determination.
Analysis of proposed biological roles, particularly in telomeres and gene promoters.

Main Results:

G-quadruplexes are formed through specific chemical interactions involving guanine bases.
Various topological forms of G-quadruplexes exist.
G-quadruplexes are implicated in critical cellular functions, including telomere maintenance and gene regulation.
These structures serve as targets for small-molecule ligands and natural proteins.

Conclusions:

G-quadruplex structures represent an important class of nucleic acid conformations with significant biological relevance.
Understanding G-quadruplexes is vital for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting diseases associated with telomere dysfunction and aberrant gene expression.