A‐form to A′‐form conformational switch of double helices in rat liver 5S and 5.8S rRNA

Abstract
The wide-angle X-ray scattering of rat liver 5S rRNA and 5.8S rRNA molecules showed significant differences in the positions of the scattering maxima when dissolved in Mg2+-containing Tris/HCl buffer or in Mg2+-depleted buffer. A comparison of the experimental curves with theoretical curves calculated from atomic coordinates of double-helical models proved a switch from A form to A' form of the double-helical regions within the molecules by changing the buffer conditions. This result was supported by circular dichroic measurements. The A to A' transition may have important consequences for RNA-protein interactions.

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