Stitching together RNA tertiary architectures.

The powerful explanatory paradigm of molecular biology requiring form to co-evolve with function has again been proven successful when, over the recent two decades, a wealth of biological functions have been uncovered for RNA. Previously considered as a mere mediator of the genetic code, RNA is now acknowledged as a key player in a wide variety of cellular processes. Along with the discovery of novel biological functions of RNA molecules, a number of RNA three-dimensional structures have been solved which beautifully demonstrate the molecular adaptability which allows RNA to participate as a key player in these functions. A distinct repertoire of molecular motifs provides a basis for the assembly of complex RNA tertiary architectures. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.