Characterization of P8 and J8/7 elements in the conserved core of the Tetrahymena group I intron ribozyme

The universally conserved core region in the group I intron ribozymes is re sponsible for its catalytic activity, The structural elements in this regio n have been known to organize the active site of this class of ribozymes. H owever, it has been unclear whether all elements are requisite or some elem ents are dispensable for conducting the catalysis. To investigate the neces sity of these elements in the catalysis, we prepared and examined a series of mutants having a nick or deletion in those elements. In this report, we show that two elements, p8 and 5' portion of J8/7, are non-essential for ac tivity. (C) 2000 Academic Press.