Open AccessInteractions of Ribosomal RNA with Synthetic and Natural Polybases
Author(s) -
Krèumers P.,
Fredericq E.
Publication year - 1969
Publication title -
european journal of biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1432-1033
pISSN - 0014-2956
DOI - 10.1111/j.1432-1033.1969.tb00605.x
Subject(s) - hyperchromicity , rna , ionic strength , ribosomal rna , ionic bonding , chemistry , crystallography , polyelectrolyte , biochemistry , organic chemistry , aqueous solution , dna , polymer , ion , gene
The formation of complexes between RNA and calf thymus histone or polysine has been studied at molar ratios (basic groups to phosphoric groups) in the range 0.1 to 0.2.1 The flexible polyelectrolyte behavior displayed by RNA in its reduced viscosity curves at low ionic strength disappears in the presence of the polybases. 2 The thermal profiles of RNA are shifted to slightly higher temperatures by the polybases. 3 Measurements of optical rotatory dispersion indicate an increase of ordered structure in the presence of the polybases, mostly polylysine. 4 Ultraviolet spectra of RNA have been measured from 186 to 300 nm, in native condition, at low ionic strength and at pH 3.2. Strong hyperchromic effects appear in the 188 nm absorption band under denaturing conditions. In the presence of histone or polylysine, the hyperchromic effects are markedly lowered.It is concluded that both polybases combine to RNA, strengthening and extending the ordered areas and stiffening the molecular structure.