The discovery of polyadenylate polymerase: Unravelling the mysteries of molecular biology

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An animated yet educational video that discovers the fascinating world of polyadenylate polymerase and mRNA polyadenylation. The indispensable role of Poly(A) polymerase, a pivotal enzyme crucial for messenger RNA post-transcriptional modification, is explored. This video dives into the intricate process of polyadenylation, giving rise to a poly(A) tail. Historical milestones of poly(A) polymerase and mRNA polyadenylation discovery are traced, from its enigmatic beginnings in the mid-1950s to the significant breakthroughs made by scientists like Mary Edmonds and Richard Abrams.
The story marks its major beginning in 1960, with the research of Edmonds and Abrams. Together, the delved into the incorporation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) into polynucleotides with an enzyme from calf thymus nuclei. This process, known as the internucleotide incorporation mechanism, laid the foundation for many more discoveries to come. This initial experiment gave rise to the details of enzyme purification and provided information regarding some of the enzyme properties.
The video explores over two decades of pioneering experiments that isolated and purified poly(A) polymerase, while shedding light on its role in synthesising polynucleotides. Their results allowed us to gain insight on the enzyme’s preferences for ATP, magnesium ions, and primers in the synthesis process. This video culminates with a discussion of the protective, recognition, and translational roles of these seemingly simple strings of adenosine units in mRNA. Watch this video now to dive into an educational adventure into the world of molecular biology.
Creator: Natalie Katafiasz
References:
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