在端粒酶中的RNA模板的功能证据
D Shippen-Lentz1, E H Blackburn
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley 94720.
概括
研究人员确定了Euplotes crassus端粒酶的RNA组成部分. 这种RNA充当模板,直接证明其在合成端粒重复中的作用,并将端粒酶定义为逆转录酶.
科学领域:
- 分子生物学分子生物学
- 遗传学 是一个遗传学.
- 生物化学 生物化学
背景情况:
- 端粒酶是一种核糖蛋白酶,负责维持端粒长度.
- 假设RNA组件作为模板的功能,但在许多生物体中没有直接证明.
研究的目的:
- 识别和测序来自Euplotes crassus的端粒酶的RNA部分.
- 为了在体外功能性地表征端粒酶RNA的模板活性.
- 根据其RNA模板逆转录酶活性来定义端粒酶.
主要方法:
- 端粒酶RNA的鉴定和基因测序.
- 在体外功能测试使用互补的寡核酸来测试RNA原始化.
- 合成的端粒重复序列的分析.
主要成果:
- 来自Euplotes crassus的端粒酶RNA的基因被成功测序.
- 一个特定的RNA序列 (5' CAAAACCCCAAA 3') 被确定为TTTTGGGG重复合成的模板.
- 提供了直接证据,证明了端粒酶RNA的模板功能.
结论:
- 这项研究提供了第一次直接证明端粒酶RNA的模板功能.
- 这些发现划分了RNA内的端粒模板的边界.
- 端粒酶在功能上被定义为一种专门的逆转录酶酶.
相关概念视频
Nucleic acids
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, the...
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, the...
RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
Nucleic Acids
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, the...
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, the...
RNA Stability
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
Ribozymes
The term ribozyme is used for RNA that can act as an enzyme. Ribozymes are mainly found in selected viruses, bacteria, plant organelles, and lower eukaryotes. Ribozymes were first discovered in 1982 when Tom Cech’s laboratory observed Group I introns acting as enzymes. This was shortly followed by the discovery of another ribozyme, Ribonulcease P, by Sid Altman’s laboratory. Both Cech and Altman received the Nobel Prize in chemistry in 1989 for their work on ribozymes.
Ribozymes can be...
Ribozymes can be...
Nucleic Acid Structure
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 has a double-helix structure. The...
DNA Structure
DNA has a double-helix structure. The...


