Talk:CH391L/S14/Chen-Hsun's First assignment

Overall Format and structure: The structure is good, but the writing style is unprofessional and vague in some sections. The author started with a general introduction; however, the author introduces a very specific mechanism (the blocking of DNA polymerase) and fails to mention other possible mechanisms. The author should have a section to describe all possible mechanisms and type of riboswitches briefly. The research section is very informative and gives the reader a better understanding of how riboswiches can apply to medical or other usages.

Introduction and background material: As I mention above, the author only introduces one specific mechanism of riboswitches. The author should also mention where do the riboswitches exist (eukaryote? prokaryote?) and how long they typically are. Does riboswitch commonly find in all living systems? Does riboswitch usually participate in housekeeping pathway or most of them involve in unique mechanisms? The background can cover more than just one specific mechanism.

Methods and main body/concepts: Riboswitch is a kind of regulatory RNA, so it will be great if the author can compare how riboswitch works to other regulatory RNAs. The author points out the ligand is important to riboswitch's function, and it will be better to give some examples. The author says "Like other molecules, riboswitches are sensitive to pH levels, salt concentration, and temperature." but fails to define "other molecules" and how riboswitch response to these environmental factors. In total, the main content is very limited and can be greatly improved.

Relation to iGEM and future directions: The author mentions the iGEM in one of the research example. These examples are good and help reader to understand how riboswitches are used in research. But there is no suggestion of future directions.

Figures, Figure legends, and citations: The figure is confusing and might be misplaced. Also, some of the figures are placed far from its relative content. Most of the citations have a wrong format.