Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025

ACT1-CUP1 Assays Determine the Substrate-Specific Sensitivities of Spliceosomal Mutants in Budding Yeast
Published on: June 30, 2022
Yeast pre-rRNA is processed at the A' site.
Laura M Dutca1, Emily F Freed2, Susan J Baserga3
1Molecular Biophysics & Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, Iowa, United States.
The A' pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processing site, previously thought absent in yeast, is confirmed to exist. This finding demonstrates the conservation of eukaryotic pre-rRNA processing sites.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Ribosome biogenesis is crucial for cell function.
- Pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) maturation involves processing of transcribed spacer sequences.
- The 5'external transcribed spacer (5'ETS) contains critical processing sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence of the A' pre-rRNA processing site in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- To determine if the A' site is conserved in single-celled eukaryotes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of yeast 5'ETS sequences.
- Experimental validation of pre-rRNA processing sites.
Main Results:
- Evidence for the A' pre-rRNA processing site in the yeast 5'ETS was found.
- The A' site's presence in Saccharomyces cerevisiae was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The A' pre-rRNA processing site is conserved in both single-celled and multicellular eukaryotes.
- This finding refines our understanding of eukaryotic ribosome biogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
pre-mRNA Processing
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a “cap” to the 5’ end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5’ phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached to it (7-Methyl...
Transfer RNA Synthesis
Each of these chemical modifications is carried by a specific enzyme, post-transcription. All of these enzymes have unique base and site-specificity. Methylation, the most common chemical modification, is carried by at least nine different enzymes, with...
Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps...
RNA Splicing
Ribosomal RNA Synthesis
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,...
Ribosomes
Ribosome Structure and Assembly
Ribosomes are composed of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins. In eukaryotes, rRNA is transcribed from genes in the nucleolus—a part of the nucleus that specializes in ribosome...

