6ZWU

Racemic compound of RNA duplexes.

Summary for 6ZWU

• Entry DOI: 10.2210/pdb6zwu/pdb
• Related: 6ZPF 6ZQ9 6ZR1 6ZRL 6ZRS 6ZW3 6ZX5 6ZX8 7A9L 7A9N 7A9O 7A9P 7A9Q 7A9R 7A9S 7A9T
• Descriptor: RNA (5'-R(*(0C)P*(0U)P*(0G)P*(0G)P*(0G)P*(0C)P*(0G)P*(0G))-3'), RNA (5'-R(*(0C)P*(0C)P*(0G)P*(0C)P*(0C)P*(0U)P*(0G)P*(0G))-3'), RNA (5'-R(*CP*UP*GP*GP*GP*CP*GP*G)-3'), ... (6 entities in total)
• Functional Keywords: racemic compound, rna
• Biological source: Thermus thermophilus; More
• Total number of polymer chains: 4
• Total formula weight: 10688.17

Authors

Rypniewski, W. (deposition date: 2020-07-28, release date: 2021-05-26, Last modification date: 2024-01-31)

Primary citation

Kiliszek, A.,Blaszczyk, L.,Bejger, M.,Rypniewski, W.
Broken symmetry between RNA enantiomers in a crystal lattice.
Nucleic Acids Res., 49:12535-12539, 2021

PubMed Abstract: Explaining the origin of the homochirality of biological molecules requires a mechanism of disrupting the natural equilibrium between enantiomers and amplifying the initial imbalance to significant levels. Authors of existing models have sought an explanation in the parity-breaking weak nuclear force, in some selectively acting external factor, or in random fluctuations that subsequently became amplified by an autocatalytic process. We have obtained crystals in which l- and d-enantiomers of short RNA duplexes assemble in an asymmetric manner. These enantiomers make different lattice contacts and have different exposures to water and metal ions present in the crystal. Apparently, asymmetry between enantiomers can arise upon their mutual interactions and then propagate via crystallization. Asymmetric racemic compounds are worth considering as possible factors in symmetry breaking and enantioenrichment that took place in the early biosphere.

PubMed: 34107036
DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab480

Experimental method

X-RAY DIFFRACTION (1.527 Å)