Abstract
MOST sequenced RNAs have the potential to form secondary structures by means of local base pairing and loop formation. Arguments have been advanced that these structures are the result of evolutionary pressure, or of requirements for unique functions such as virus packaging1–7. To determine whether secondary structure is an intrinsic or anomalous property of RNA we have investigated random sequences generated by computer. These sequences, which contain no real biological information, can be arranged into thermo-dynamically stable secondary structures with about 50% base pairing. The results imply that one should expect a high degree of base pairing in RNA, consistent with early estimates of helical content in random copolynucleotides8 and the constraints accompanying structure formation in a hypothetical tRNA molecule9,10. Therefore, the mere existence of secondary structure does not necessarily implicate special biological functions, although the potential for functional interactions clearly exists.
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GRALLA, J., DELISI, C. Biological sciences: mRNA is expected to form stable secondary structures. Nature 248, 330–332 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1038/248330a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/248330a0
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