Splice-site selection by a self-splicing RNA of Tetrahymena

Abstract

5′ Splice-site selection by the self-splicing Tetrahymena ribosomal RNA precursor requires the formation of a particular RNA helix by base pairing between an intron ‘guide sequence’ and bases surrounding the 5′ splice junction. Part of the guide sequence subsequently holds and positions the 3′ end of the cut 5′ exon to attack the 3′ splice junction.