To better understand how RNA in bacteria gives rise to protein and along the way, target these processes in the design of new antibiotics researchers are turning their attention to the unique way this process happens in bacteria.
In eukaryotic cells, transcription (the process by which information in a DNA strand is copied into messenger RNA) and translation (the process by which a protein is synthesized by the ribosome from the mRNA) are two successive steps. In bacteria, they occur simultaneously: As the RNA is being synthesized by RNA polymerase, the ribosome comes in to make the proteins.
This synchronicity allows for so-called “transcription-translation coupling,” wherein the first ribosome can immediately follow and couple with the transcribing RNA polymerase. It is a new area of research that promises to bring insights into processes unique to bacteria that could be targeted with great specificity in the design of antibiotics.
RNA holds the reins in bacteria: U-M researchers observe RNA controlling protein synthesis eurekalert.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from eurekalert.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.