Structure of the catalytic core of the Tetrahymena ribozyme as indicated by reactive abbreviated forms of the molecule.
The precursor rRNA of Tetrahymena thermophila contains a group I intervening sequence (IVS) that catalyzes its own excision to yield mature rRNA. The excised IVS catalyzes a number of cleavage/ligation reactions that are analogous to the transesterification reactions of splicing. We examined the behavior of a variety of 3'-truncated forms of the IVS and found several abbreviated molecules that retained catalytic activity. The reactivity of these molecules indicates that the site at which cleavage/ligation occurs lies in close proximity to all of the conserved sequence elements within the catalytic core of the IVS.
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA 92138.
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Joyce
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Inoue
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D002384:Catalysis; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D003500:Cyclization; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012322:RNA Precursors; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D013768:Tetrahymena / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics*
D012322:RNA Precursors; D012335:RNA, Ribosomal