The importance of being r: greater oxidative stability of RNA compared with DNA

Authors
Thorp, HH
Citation
Hh. Thorp, The importance of being r: greater oxidative stability of RNA compared with DNA, CHEM BIOL, 7(2), 2000, pp. R33-R36
Citations number
33
Categorie Soggetti
Biochemistry & Biophysics
Journal title
CHEMISTRY & BIOLOGY
ISSN journal
10745521 → ACNP
Volume
7
Issue
2
Year of publication
2000
Pages
R33 - R36
Database
ISI
SICI code
1074-5521(200002)7:2<R33:TIOBRG>2.0.ZU;2-2
Abstract
The 2'-hydroxyl group of ribose imparts hydrolytic lability on RNA, which p rovides a mechanism for numerous biological functions. Recent evidence from chemical cleavage studies shows that this hydroxyl group also stabilizes t he sugar moiety in RNA towards oxidation relative to DNA. Is this just beca use RNA needs to be distinguishable from DNA or does it have other evolutio nary significance?.