Stitching together RNA tertiary architectures.
The powerful explanatory paradigm of molecular biology requiring form to co-evolve with function has again been proven successful when, over the recent two decades, a wealth of biological functions have been uncovered for RNA. Previously considered as a mere mediator of the genetic code, RNA is now acknowledged as a key player in a wide variety of cellular processes. Along with the discovery of novel biological functions of RNA molecules, a number of RNA three-dimensional structures have been solved which beautifully demonstrate the molecular adaptability which allows RNA to participate as a key player in these functions. A distinct repertoire of molecular motifs provides a basis for the assembly of complex RNA tertiary architectures.
Hermann
T
T
Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. thermann@sbnmr1.ski.mskcc.org
Patel
D J
DJ
D020137:Base Pair Mismatch; D020029:Base Pairing; D002412:Cations / Q000737:chemistry; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry; D008958:Models, Molecular; D009690:Nucleic Acid Conformation; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
D002412:Cations; D008670:Metals; D014867:Water; D012313:RNA