MRNA PRECURSOR Meaning and
Definition
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mRNA precursor, also known as pre-mRNA or primary RNA transcript, refers to the initial version of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule synthesized during gene expression. It is a transient and immature form of RNA that requires processing before it can be translated into proteins.
During transcription, a DNA template is used to create an RNA molecule, known as pre-mRNA, through a series of enzyme-mediated steps. These pre-mRNA molecules are initially long and contain both intronic and exonic regions. Introns are non-coding regions that do not directly contribute to protein synthesis, whereas exons are the coding regions that contain instructions for protein synthesis.
The pre-mRNA molecule undergoes post-transcriptional modifications to produce mature mRNA, which is the final product that serves as a template for protein synthesis. These modifications involve the removal of introns by a process called splicing and the addition of a 5' cap and a 3' poly-A tail to the mRNA molecule. These modifications are essential for stabilizing the mRNA, protecting it from degradation, and facilitating its transport from the nucleus to the cytoplasm.
The mRNA precursor represents an intermediary step in gene expression, serving as a link between DNA and the final mRNA transcript. Its processing to mature mRNA is tightly regulated by various factors, including specific proteins and RNA sequences that dictate the splicing and modification events. Understanding the mechanisms underlying mRNA precursor processing is crucial for deciphering gene function, regulation, and the diversity of protein isoforms produced by alternative splicing.
Common Misspellings for MRNA PRECURSOR
- nrna precursor
- krna precursor
- jrna precursor
- mena precursor
- mdna precursor
- mfna precursor
- mtna precursor
- m5na precursor
- m4na precursor
- mrba precursor
- mrma precursor
- mrja precursor
- mrha precursor
- mrnz precursor
- mrns precursor
- mrnw precursor
- mrnq precursor
- mrna orecursor
- mrna lrecursor
- mrna -recursor
Etymology of MRNA PRECURSOR
The etymology of the term "mRNA precursor" can be broken down as follows:
1. mRNA: This stands for messenger RNA. The term "mRNA" was coined by American molecular biologist Jacob Bronowski in 1959. It is a combination of "messenger", which refers to the role of this type of RNA molecule in carrying genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis, and "RNA", which stands for ribonucleic acid.
2. Precursor: The word "precursor" originated from the Latin term "praecursor", which consists of "prae" meaning "before" and "cursus" meaning "a running course". It refers to something that comes before or prepares the way for something else. In the context of mRNA, the precursor refers to an intermediate molecule that is synthesized before it is converted into mature mRNA.
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