To explore the role of the ribose 2'-hydroxyl group in RNA folding dynamics in comparison to DNA.
Analyzed RNA and DNA folding pathways
Examined hydrogen bonding interactions
Compared stability and dynamics of hairpin structures
Identified significant differences in folding pathways between RNA and DNA
Ribose 2'-OH group stabilizes RNA tetraloops
Hydrogen bonding plays a critical role in folding dynamics
Abstract
The ribose 2′-hydroxyl (2′-OH) group is a key chemical feature distinguishing RNA from DNA, yet its precise role in RNA tetraloop folding dynamics remains unclear.