Abstract
We have used a diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) modification [(1976) Prog. Nucl. Acids Res. 16, 189–262] to probe the accessibility of adenines essential for coat protein binding in the MS2 translational operator [(1983) Biochemistry 22, 2601–2610, 2610–2615, 4723–4730; (1987) Biochemistry 26, 1563–1568]. The essential adenines are apparently hyperreactive with this reagent relative to other sites within the same molecule. Variation of ionic strength, pH and divalent cation concentrations reveal the existence of two distinct conformers of the RNA operator as judged by DEPC reactivity. We propose that the hyperreactivity observed is due to the participation of neighbouring bases in the DEPC modification reaction and can be used as a novel structural probe.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
