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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

6.7K
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...
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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.
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...
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Nucleic Acid Structure01:25

Nucleic Acid Structure

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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.
DNA Structure
DNA...
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Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

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Ribosome synthesis is a highly complex and coordinated process involving more than 200 assembly factors. The synthesis and processing of ribosomal components occurs not only in the nucleolus but also in the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells.
Ribosome biogenesis begins with the synthesis of 5S and 45S pre-rRNAs by distinct RNA polymerases. The primary transcripts are extensively processed and modified before they are bound and folded by ribosomal proteins and assembly factors,...
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Ribosomal RNA Synthesis02:53

Ribosomal RNA Synthesis

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4.0K
Nucleic acids02:43

Nucleic acids

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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,...
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Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen
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Mapping RNA-RNA Interactions Globally Using Biotinylated Psoralen

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Alternate RNA Structures.

Marie Teng-Pei Wu1, Victoria D'Souza1

  • 1Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138.

Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology
|January 4, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

RNA molecules dynamically change shape, adopting different structures to control biological functions. This conformational flexibility allows RNA to regulate critical cellular processes in response to various cues.

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Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Structural Biology

Background:

  • RNA molecules fold into complex 3D structures.
  • These structures can exist in multiple conformations, influencing biological activity.
  • Cellular cues, like ligand binding, can alter RNA structures.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review RNA molecules that sample alternate conformations.
  • To explore how RNA conformational flexibility controls regulatory functions.
  • To highlight the dynamic nature of RNA structures in biological systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of key RNA conformational studies.
  • Analysis of RNA structural dynamics and energy landscapes.
  • Case studies of RNA molecules with critical regulatory roles.

Main Results:

  • RNA conformational sampling ranges from subtle tertiary dynamics to major secondary structure changes.
  • Different RNA substructures can lead to distinct biological outcomes.
  • RNA conformational shifts are regulated by static and dynamic cellular cues.

Conclusions:

  • RNA's ability to adopt alternate conformations is crucial for biological regulation.
  • Understanding RNA dynamics provides insights into gene regulation and molecular mechanisms.
  • Targeting RNA conformational states offers potential therapeutic strategies.