Pseudo-templated transcription in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms.

Abstract

Pseudo-templated transcription describes a process that results in the production of a homopolymeric stretch of RNA directed by a shorter stretch (usually 3-7) of complementary nucleotides on the template (either RNA or DNA). The effects of pseudo-templated transcription are very diverse. In some cases, strictly homopolymeric RNAs are made; in others, pseudo-templated nucleotides are added at either the 5' or 3' ends of otherwise normally templated transcripts; and finally, sometines pseudo-templated nucleotides are inserted at a specific internal site during elongation within an otherwise normally templated RNA