Work

DNA-RNA hybrid duplexes containing oligo(dA:rU) sequences are exceptionally unstable and may facilitate termination of transcription

Year: 1980

Type: article

Abstract: A DNA-RNA hybrid oligonucleotide duplex, dC(pA) 5pG:rC(pU)5pG, which contains a (dA:rU) 5 sequence, is at least 200 times less stable at room temperature than the corresponding duplex containing an (rA:dT) 5 sequence, rC(pA)5pG:dC(pT)5pG. This result provides an explanation for the finding that most primary RNA transcripts terminate in several consecutive rU residues, but not rA residues. It strongly supports the idea that instability of the DNA-RNA hybrid at the growing point of transcription plays a role in termination of transcription.

Source: Nucleic Acids Research

DOI: 10.1093/nar/8.10.2295

Authors: Francis H. Martin, Ignacio Tinoco

Institution: University of California, Berkeley

Language: English

Topic: DNA and Nucleic Acid Chemistry

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: U.S. Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health

Awards: G1702950523, G6445123630