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Related Concept Videos

RNA Structure01:19

RNA Structure

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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.
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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Bacterial RNA Polymerase00:43

Bacterial RNA Polymerase

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Unlike eukaryotes, bacteria use a single RNA Polymerase (RNAP) to transcribe all genes. The different subunits of bacterial RNAPhave distinct functions. The multisubunit structure of the bacterial RNAP helps the enzyme to maintain catalytic function, facilitate assembly, interact with DNA and RNA, and self-regulate its activity.
In most genes, the transcription site is a single base present upstream of the coding sequence. Though RNAP is a catalytically efficient enzyme, it does not recognize...
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Bacterial Transcription01:53

Bacterial Transcription

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RNA polymerase (RNAP) carries out DNA-dependent RNA synthesis in both bacteria and eukaryotes. Bacteria do not have a membrane-bound nucleus. So, transcription and translation occur simultaneously, on the same DNA template.
Transcription can be divided into three main stages, each involving distinct DNA sequences to guide the polymerase. These are:
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Types of RNA01:23

Types of RNA

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Overview
Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA...
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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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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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Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Optical Tweezers to Study RNA-Protein Interactions in Translation Regulation
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Optical Tweezers to Study RNA-Protein Interactions in Translation Regulation

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Protocell Effects on RNA Folding, Function, and Evolution.

Ranajay Saha1, Jongseok A Choi1, Irene A Chen1

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1592, United States.

Accounts of Chemical Research
|July 15, 2024
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Encapsulating RNA within vesicles enhances ribozyme folding and activity, accelerating evolution by favoring better-performing variants. This finding offers insights into the origins of life and the development of minimal cells.

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Area of Science:

  • Origin of Life Studies
  • Biophysics
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The prebiotic
  • RNA World
  • hypothesis suggests RNA performed genetic and catalytic roles before DNA and proteins.
  • Cooperative systems, like early life, require compartmentalization for survival and evolution.
  • Minimal cells may have originated from simple vesicles containing RNA metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the impact of encapsulation within membrane vesicles on RNA folding and activity.
  • Explore how physical confinement affects ribozyme function and evolutionary potential.
  • Understand emergent behaviors in model protocell systems.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to characterize ribozyme folding and activity inside vesicles.
  • Employed a high-throughput sequencing assay to measure aminoacylation kinetics of numerous ribozyme variants.
  • Conducted in vitro evolution experiments to observe adaptation rates.

Main Results:

  • Encapsulation generally promoted RNA folding via an excluded volume effect, independent of chemical interactions.
  • Vesicle confinement increased ribozyme activity and rescued the function of mutant ribozymes.
  • Encapsulation preferentially enhanced high-activity ribozyme variants, leading to faster evolutionary adaptation.

Conclusions:

  • Simple encapsulation within vesicles can significantly alter the evolutionary landscape of RNA.
  • Physical effects of compartmentalization, such as excluded volume, are crucial for protocell function and evolution.
  • Studying minimal protocells provides a pathway to understanding the transition from nonliving matter to living systems.