Why does RNA adopt an A-form helix?

Question

RNA is known to form an A-form helix, while DNA generally forms a B-form helix under physiological conditions.

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_{From left to right: A-form DNA, B-form DNA, Z-form DNA. Image created by Richard Wheeler}

The preference of RNA for the different conformation is supposed to be caused by the 2'-OH, my question is now how exactly this favors the A-helix? Which interactions are important and cause RNA to adopt an A-form helix?

There are many factors that produce effect in that interaction. You could have a first look in detail at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022283605014439 — Open the way, Feb 26 '12 at 08:33

score 14 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48

The beta-form of DNA and the alpha-form of DNA are based on the pucker on the sugar ribose. As DNA doesn't have a 2'-OH, it can obtain both conformations.

schematic of Beta vs Alpha from riboses

RNA does not have this luxury. The steric clash of the 2-OH with the 3'-OH makes the B-form to be very unfavorable thus constraining the RNA to adopt the A-form. Incidentally this steric limitation is also why RNA structures are more stable (see https://biology.stackexchange.com/a/769/389)

Why does RNA adopt an A-form helix?

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