A molecular model for gene repression.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A molecular model for gene repression is presented. The model rests on the fundamental hypothesis that the repressor is a ribonucleoprotein which contains an RNA oligonucleotide region which can interact in the deep groove of the DNA helix at the operator locus. An alternate base-pairing configuration is used in this interaction, but the Watson-Crick base-pairing rules are maintained. The model incorporates recent information concerning alternate base-pairing configurations in crystal structures and in polynucleotide complexes. It also provides a possible explanation for the growth instability of the repressor.