MRNA

Definition

mRNA (messenger RNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. It acts as a template for protein synthesis during translation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. mRNA is transcribed from a DNA template in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and in the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells.
2. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in a protein.
3. During translation, ribosomes read mRNA sequences in sets of three nucleotides called codons.
4. mRNA undergoes processing steps like capping, polyadenylation, and splicing before it is translated into protein in eukaryotes.
5. In genetic engineering, synthetic mRNA can be used to produce specific proteins or modify gene expression.

Review Questions

• What role does mRNA play in protein synthesis?
• How is the sequence of amino acids in a protein determined by mRNA?
• What are some processing steps that eukaryotic mRNA undergoes before translation?

Related terms

ribosome:

A molecular machine that reads mRNA sequences and synthesizes proteins by linking amino acids together.

codon:

A set of three nucleotides on an mRNA molecule that corresponds to a specific amino acid or stop signal during translation.

tRNA:

Transfer RNA; a type of RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome in accordance with the codon sequence on the mRNA.