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Lessons from an evolving rRNA: 16S and 23S rRNA structures from a comparative perspective
R R Gutell1, N Larsen, C R Woese
1MCD Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder 80309-0347.
Microbiological Reviews
|March 1, 1994
Summary
Prokaryotic ribosomal RNA (rRNA) secondary structures are largely identified, with 90% of base pairs supported by comparative analysis. Further research is needed to fully map rRNA tertiary interactions and their role in ribosome structure.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Structural Biology
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Higher-order structures of 16S and 23S ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs) are crucial for ribosome function.
- Comparative analysis has refined models of rRNA secondary structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present refined models of prokaryotic rRNA higher-order structures.
- To identify standard secondary-structure elements and tertiary interactions in rRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of rRNA sequences.
- Utilizing experimental data on chemical modification protection of rRNA bases.
Main Results:
- Established secondary-structure elements account for a significant portion of rRNA sequences, comparable to transfer RNA (tRNA).
- Approximately 90% of base pairs in rRNA molecules have independent comparative support.
- A substantial fraction of rRNA tertiary interactions remain to be identified, suggesting a role for protein-rRNA interactions.
Conclusions:
- The refined rRNA structures are consistent with experimental data, validating the principle of covarying base pairs.
- While most paired bases are protected from chemical modification, some unpaired bases also show protection, indicating undiscovered structural elements.