How Do You Spell MICRORNA?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪkɹə͡ʊrnˌɑː] (IPA)

MicroRNA is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈmaɪkrəʊˌɑːrnə/. The word is a combination of "micro" and RNA (ribonucleic acid). The "micr" part is pronounced as "my-kr," with the stress on the first syllable. The "o" in "ro" is pronounced as "oh," giving the word a total of five syllables. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in various organisms, making them crucial for understanding biological processes and treating diseases such as cancer.

MICRORNA Meaning and Definition

1. MicroRNA, commonly abbreviated as miRNA, refers to a small non-coding RNA molecule composed of approximately 18-24 nucleotides. It is a vital component of the intricate cellular machinery involved in gene regulation. MicroRNAs are primarily found in eukaryotic organisms, including animals, plants, and some viruses.

   Their specific function is to regulate gene expression by targeting messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. MicroRNAs specifically bind to the mRNA molecules, which are the intermediate molecules that transmit genetic information from DNA to proteins, thereby inhibiting translation or prompting mRNA degradation. By modulating mRNA levels, microRNAs play a pivotal role in regulating various physiological processes like development, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.

   These small RNA molecules are highly conserved across species, illustrating their significance. They are produced through a complex process involving transcription of the DNA, its subsequent processing, and then the formation of mature microRNA molecules. Once matured, microRNAs join a protein complex known as the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). This complex guides the microRNA to complementary mRNA sequences, leading to the regulation of gene expression.

   Certain microRNAs have been implicated in the pathogenesis of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. Scientists are actively exploring microRNAs as potential diagnostic biomarkers or therapeutic targets due to their involvement in these diseases. Research into microRNAs is still ongoing to unearth their full potential and unravel the extent of their impact on gene expression and human health.

Common Misspellings for MICRORNA

• microont
• micrcornea
• micrortia
• Michortia
• micorrand
• Micornoa

Etymology of MICRORNA

The word "microRNA" is formed by combining two components: "micro" and "RNA".

1. Micro: The term "micro" is derived from the Greek word "mikros", meaning small. It is commonly used as a prefix to indicate something very small in size or scale. In the context of microRNA, it refers to the short length of the RNA molecules.

2. RNA: RNA stands for Ribonucleic Acid, which is a type of nucleic acid essential for various biological processes, including protein synthesis. The term itself was coined in 1956 by scientists Peter Alexander Levine and Alex Rich during their research on the structure of RNA molecules.

Thus, microRNA is a combination of these two terms, indicating a small RNA molecule. MicroRNAs are short non-coding RNA sequences that play important regulatory roles in gene expression.