Fung, Beatrice2018-10-102018-10-102018-09-23Fung, B. (2018). Elucidation of 3' exon requirements of a novel group II intron (Rep.). Calgary, AB: University of Calgary.http://hdl.handle.net/1880/108832Group 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.enUnless otherwise indicated, this material is protected by copyright and has been made available with authorization from the copyright owner. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0report10.11575/PRISM/33172