2: tertiary structures of rna

What results from the interaction between helices in RNA?

Interaction between helices in RNA can result in one continuous helix, known as coaxial base stacking, where the base pair at the end of one helix stacks against the base pair at the beginning of the next helix.

What is a pseudoknot in RNA?

A pseudoknot is formed when nucleotides within the loop of a hairpin base-pair with a segment at the other end of the stem, creating a structure with a hairpin loop and additional base-pairing within the loop.

What is the adenosine platform in RNA?

The adenosine platform consists of two consecutive A residues that arrange side by side, forming hydrogen bonds and creating a flat surface onto which other RNA elements can stack.

What is an A-minor motif in RNA tertiary structure?

In an A-minor motif, a triple helix is formed through interactions of the minor groove edges of adenine bases with the minor groove of neighboring helices.

What is the ribose zipper motif in RNA?

The ribose zipper motif stabilizes RNA's tertiary structure through interactions between the sugar-phosphate backbone. Hydrogen bonds between the 2'-OH groups of two helices create a "zipper" of ribose sugars in the minor grooves of the helices.

How does the ribose zipper motif contribute to RNA stability?

• The ribose zipper motif stabilizes RNA by forming hydrogen bonds between the 2'-OH groups of two helices, creating a ribose sugar "zipper" that holds the helices together.