On using magnesium and potassium ions in RNA experiments

Abstract

RNA is a dynamic molecule that can adopt different conformations under different conditions. In the cell, the negatively charged RNA is expected to interact with potassium and magnesium ions. The role of magnesium ions has been extensively studied in RNA, as it is necessary for proper folding of RNA and acts as a nucleophile in many reactions catalyzed by RNA. A short overview of the role of magnesium and potassium in RNA structures is provided here in order to demonstrate the need for carefully choosing the experimental conditions for RNA studies.