title: Self-splicing RNA and an RNA enzyme in Tetrahymena.
abstract: The RNA molecules transcribed from many eukaryotic genes are interrupted by intervening sequences, which are removed by a process called RNA splicing. One structurally related group of intervening sequences, the group I intervening sequences, are found in a variety of microorganisms. Some of these, including the group I intervening sequence from the ribosomal RNA precursor of Tetrahymena thermophila, have been shown to mediate their own splicing in an RNA-catalyzed reaction. Following its excision from the ribosomal RNA precursor, the Tetrahymena intervening sequence acts as an enzyme, cutting and rejoining RNA substrates.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, 80309-0215.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Zaug
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Cech
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005796:Genes; D007438:Introns; D012322:RNA Precursors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012326:RNA Splicing; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D013768:Tetrahymena / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D012322:RNA Precursors; D016337:RNA, Catalytic; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal