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RNA Double Helix and the Evolution of the 3′,5′ Linkage

Nature New Biology volume 235, pages 207–208 (1972)Cite this article

Abstract

I WISH to call attention to a simple but important structural feature of the RNA double helix1, the implications of which have not been noticed previously, and which seems to provide an evolutionary advantage for the exclusive use of the 3′, 5′-internucleotide linkage in naturally occurring RNA. A related observation can account for the production of the wrong linkage (2′,5′) in non-enzymatic polymerization of template-bound adenosine-2′,3′-cyclic phosphate2.

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References

  1. Arnott, S., Progress in Biophysics and Molecular Biology, 21, ch. 6 (edit. by Butler, J. A. V., and Noble, D.) (Pergamon, Oxford, 1970).

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Author notes

  1. D. A. USHER

    Present address: Dyson Perrins Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY, England

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, 14850

    D. A. USHER

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  1. D. A. USHER
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USHER, D. RNA Double Helix and the Evolution of the 3′,5′ Linkage. Nature New Biology 235, 207–208 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio235207a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio235207a0

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