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Science 28 July 2006:
Vol. 313. no. 5786, p. 405
DOI: 10.1126/science.313.5786.405h
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As DNA is being read for the synthesis of nascent RNA, occasional errors in nucleotide incorporation are made by the elongating RNA polymerase molecule. However, there is a system in place to ensure the fidelity of the transcription process. This system utilizes cleavage factors and, as reported by Zenkin et al. (p. 518; see the Perspective by Cramer) for bacterial transcription, an intrinsic mechanism in which the misincorporated nucleotide participates in its own excision by providing active groups and coordination bonds to the RNA polymerase active center. This process in turn stimulates nucleolytic activity for the release of the mismatched base. Thus, transcription machinery relies on the RNA product itself to ensure fidelity of transcription.




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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)