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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:23

RNA Structure

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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.
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RNA Structure01:19

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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.
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Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
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Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

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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.
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Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing02:41

Chromatin Structure Regulates pre-mRNA Processing

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In eukaryotic cells, nascent mRNA transcripts need to undergo many post-transcriptional modifications to reach the cell cytoplasm and translate into functional proteins. For a long time, transcription and pre-mRNA processing were considered two independent events that occur sequentially in the cell. However, it has now been well established that transcription and pre-mRNA processing are two simultaneous processes that are precisely regulated inside the cell.
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Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends01:35

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In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
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Tuning RNA Flexibility with Helix Length and Junction Sequence.

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RNA flexibility is key to binding partners. This study shows helix length and junction sequence control RNA conformation, especially near physiological salt concentrations, enabling precise tuning.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • RNA's central role in biological processes necessitates understanding its partner recognition mechanisms.
  • RNA's inherent conformational flexibility is crucial for interacting with molecular partners.
  • RNA structure comprises rigid base-paired helices and flexible single-stranded regions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate how helix length and junction sequence influence the conformational landscape of a model RNA.
  • To explore the role of ion concentration in modulating RNA conformation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a model RNA system with two short helices connected by a single-stranded junction.
  • Employed single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to monitor RNA conformation.
  • Assessed conformational changes as a function of mono- and divalent ion concentrations.

Main Results:

  • At low salt concentrations, electrostatic repulsion between helices dictates RNA conformation.
  • At high salt concentrations, the junction sequence becomes the primary determinant of RNA conformation.
  • Near physiological salt concentrations, both helix length and junction sequence significantly impact RNA conformation.

Conclusions:

  • RNA conformation is dynamically regulated by helix length, junction sequence, and ion concentration.
  • The findings suggest a mechanism for finely tuning RNA conformations for specific biological functions.
  • This work provides insights into RNA structural dynamics and partner recognition.