Abstract
A new RNA structural motif consisting of two double helices closely packed via minor grooves is found in many places in the ribosome structure. The packing requires that a GU base pair in one helix be packed against a Watson-Crick pair in the other helix. Two such motifs mediate the interaction of the P- and E-tRNA with the large ribosomal subunit. Analysis of the particular positions of these two motifs in view of the available data on occupancy of tRNA-binding sites and structural changes in the ribosome during the elongation cycle suggests a distinct role for each motif in tRNA translocation.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 873-877 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | RNA |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2002 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Double helix packing
- GU base pair
- Ribosomal RNA
- Ribosomal translocation
- Ribosome structure
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Molecular Biology