Importance of modified nucleosides to the structure and function of tRNAs

Nucleic Acids Symp Ser. 1995:(33):254-5.

Abstract

Although a few modifications are found in DNA, 93 modified nucleosides have been found in the various RNAs. For the most part, the chemistry and structure that modified nucleosides, individually and in combination, uniquely contribute to DNA or RNA function have yet to be explained. However, there are ten physicochemical contributions that can be attributed to modified nucleosides. Of particular interest is the increasingly documented relationship between the presence of modified nucleosides in tRNAs, and the site and affinity of Mg2+ binding to RNA and its effect on function.

MeSH terms

  • Binding Sites
  • Chemical Phenomena
  • Chemistry, Physical
  • Magnesium / metabolism
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • RNA, Transfer / chemistry*
  • RNA, Transfer / metabolism*
  • Ribonucleosides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ribonucleosides
  • RNA, Transfer
  • Magnesium