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A compact form of double-stranded RNA in solutions containing poly(ethyleneglycol)
Nucleic Acids Research
|June 1, 1976
Summary
Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) forms compact particles with regular internal structures in salt and polymer solutions. This ordered structure, indicated by CD spectra, is disrupted by heat or acidification, suggesting similar compaction mechanisms to DNA.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Single-stranded ribosomal RNA and double-stranded replicative form of phage f2 RNA (dsRNA) can adopt compact forms in solution.
- High concentrations of salt (NaCl) and polymers like polyethylene glycol (PEG) induce this compact state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural characteristics of compact dsRNA particles.
- To compare the compactization mechanisms of dsRNA with DNA.
Main Methods:
- Formation of compact particles using salt (NaCl) and polymer (PEG) solutions.
- Analysis of particle structure using Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy.
- Investigating the effects of heating and acidification on dsRNA particle structure.
Main Results:
- Native dsRNA molecules formed compact particles with a regular internal structure, evidenced by a strong positive CD band.
- Heating or acidification destroyed this regular structure, causing the disappearance of the positive CD band.
- Comparison suggests similar compaction mechanisms for double-stranded polynucleotides like DNA and dsRNA.
Conclusions:
- The regular internal structure of compact dsRNA particles is sensitive to thermal and pH changes.
- Polyethylene glycol-mediated compactization of dsRNA shares similarities with DNA compaction.
- These findings contribute to understanding the physical principles governing nucleic acid condensation.