Abstract
Metal ions are required to stabilize RNA tertiary structure and to begin the folding process. How different metal ions enable RNAs to fold depends on the electrostatic potential of the RNA and correlated fluctuations in the positions of the ions themselves. Theoretical models, fluorescence spectroscopy, small angle scattering and structural biology reveal that metal ions alter the RNA dynamics and folding transition states. Specifically coordinated divalent metal ions mediate conformational rearrangements within ribozyme active sites.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 104-109 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Current Opinion in Chemical Biology |
Volume | 9 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry