Browsing by Author "Fung, Beatrice"

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    Elucidation of 3' exon requirements of a novel group II intron
    (University of Calgary, 2018-09-23) Fung, Beatrice
    Group II introns are a type of mobile genetic element. They are composed of a catalytic RNA called a ribozyme, and a protein encoded within the intron called the intron-encoded protein (IEP). Group II introns have the ability to self-splice. Self-splicing is the result of ribozyme activity and produces an excised lariat intron and ligated exons. Mobility of group II introns occurs when the excised intron inserts into DNA target sites using the IEP. In 1994, four group II introns were identified in Escherichia coli. They were named E.c.I1, E.c.I2, E.c.I3 and E.c.I4. Recent research has identified a non-standard mechanism for 5' exon recognition in E.c.I4. Exon recognition is essential during self-splicing. In contrast to the 5' mechanism for exon recognition, the mechanism for 3' exon recognition in E.c.I4 has yet to be elucidated. Two possibilities have been suggested: nucleotide one of the 3' exon may pair with either the delta nucleotide adjacent to exon binding site 1 (EBS1), or with the EBS3 nucleotide. The purpose of this research project was to identify the 3' exon recognition mechanism used by E.c.I4.