V. Citovsky et P. Zambryski, TRANSPORT OF NUCLEIC-ACIDS THROUGH MEMBRANE CHANNELS - SNAKING THROUGH SMALL HOLES, Annual review of microbiology, 47, 1993, pp. 167-197
Transport of nucleic acids through cell membranes is an essential biol
ogical process that occurs in all living organisms. This review focuse
s on two plant systems in which nucleic acid molecules are transported
through membrane channels: transport of Agrobacterium T-DNA through n
uclear pores and movement of plant viruses through intercellular conne
ctions. To provide a broader perspective, nuclear uptake of animal vir
uses and nuclear import/export of small nuclear (sn) RNA and messenger
(m) RNA are described. By comparing the examined cases of nucleic aci
d transport, the review proposes a set of general rules for this type
of transport through membrane channels.