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. 1992 Sep 15;89(18):8636–8640. doi: 10.1073/pnas.89.18.8636

Ribosomal movement impeded at a pseudoknot required for frameshifting.

C Tu 1, T H Tzeng 1, J A Bruenn 1
PMCID: PMC49975  PMID: 1528874

Abstract

Translational frameshifting sometimes occurs when ribosomes encounter a "shift" site preceding a region of unusual secondary structure, which in at least three cases is known to be a pseudoknot. We provide evidence that ribosomes have a decreased rate of movement through a pseudoknot required for frameshifting. These paused ribosomes are directly situated over the shift sequence. Ribosomal pausing appears to be necessary but not sufficient for frameshifting.

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Selected References

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