Transient electric birefringence for determining global conformations of nonhelix elements and protein-induced bends in RNA.

摘要: Publisher Summary This chapter describes the transient electric birefringence (TEB) that determines global conformations of nonhelix elements and protein-induced bends in RNA. TEB is a sensitive method for characterizing both flexibilities RNA molecules solution. In its application to study conformation, it fundamentally hydrodynamic method; helices with central undergo more rapid rotational diffusion than do their linear counterparts, because bent experience less frictional resistance. Because much changes overall helix conformation translational relationship between experimental constants theory straightforward, has proven be quite useful quantifying intrinsic Another important distinction pertains magnitude direct contribution bound protein or element tertiary structure. For centrally placed elements, relatively insensitive surface added structure such lie close center rotation. typical experiment, an interest at otherwise duplex molecule. By comparing decay time heteroduplex (or protein-bound) molecule control, measure effective angle arms obtained.