ABSTRACT
The central attention of this chapter is devoted to the development of the sequencing techniques and to the elucidation of the primary structure of the MS2 RNA performed by the famous Walter Fiers’ team as the first fully sequenced genome in the world. The connection of the phage RNA sequencing with the final deciphering of genetic code is highlighted. The specific achievements by the sequencing of the R17, f2, Qβ, and other phage RNAs are reviewed systematically. The early data on the biophysical properties of the phage RNAs including hybridization, molecular mass determination, and electrophoretic mobilities are summarized. The reliable attempts to characterize the phage RNA structure by electron microscopy are presented. The phage RNA secondary structure studies are presented, highlighting the specific role of the Jan van Duin's team. The contribution of the MS2 RNA to the programmed cell death studies is described, as well as the traditional employment of the MS2 RNA as a popular substrate, interaction probe, standard, or internal control.
