THE RNASE-P OF DICTYOSTELIUM-DISCOIDEUM

Ribonuclease P (RNase P) is a key enzyme involved in tRNA biosynthesis . It catalyses the endonucleolytic cleavage of nearly all tRNA precurs ors to produce 5'-end matured tRNA. RNase P activity has been found in all organisms examined, from bacteria to mammals. Eubacterial RNase P RNA is the only known RNA enzyme which functions in trans in nature. Similar behaviour has not been demonstrated in RNase P enzymes examine d from archaebacteria or eukaryotes. Characterisation of RNase P enzym es from more diverse eukaryotic species, including the slime mold Dict yostelium discoideum, is useful for comparative analysis of the struct ure and function of eukaryotic RNase P.