One video, captured using a technique called fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), shows how RNA molecules interact with proteins to form complexes called ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). These RNPs play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression. The video shows how the RNA molecules within RNPs undergo conformational changes that switch the complexes between active and inactive states.
Another video, obtained using a method called atomic force microscopy (AFM), depicts the three-dimensional structure of an RNA molecule at the atomic level. AFM is a scanning probe technique that allows researchers to visualize individual atoms and molecules. The video captures the subtle movements of the RNA molecule as it undergoes fluctuations in its structure.
These videos provide invaluable insights into the intricate workings of RNA molecules, shedding light on how they contribute to cellular processes and help regulate gene expression.
