POLYADENYLATE SYNTHETASE Meaning and
Definition
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Polyadenylate synthetase is an essential enzyme involved in the post-transcriptional modification of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. This enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the addition of a chain of adenine nucleotides, known as a poly(A) tail, to the 3' end of mRNA molecules. The addition of this poly(A) tail is crucial for mRNA stability, nuclear export, translation efficiency, and ultimately, the regulation of gene expression.
Polyadenylate synthetase consists of multiple subunits and requires the usage of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) as a substrate. It functions by recognizing and binding to a specific sequence in the mRNA, usually referred to as the polyadenylation signal, located near the end of the gene. This binding initiates a series of molecular events that result in the enzymatic addition of the adenine nucleotides to the mRNA chain.
The length of the poly(A) tail can vary but typically ranges from 100 to 200 nucleotides in mammals. It serves as a binding site for various RNA-binding proteins, such as poly(A)-binding proteins, which contribute to mRNA stability and translation. Additionally, the poly(A) tail facilitates the recruitment of ribosomes during the initiation of protein synthesis.
Polyadenylate synthetase plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including embryonic development, cell differentiation, and immune responses. Dysregulation or mutations in this enzyme can result in abnormal mRNA processing, leading to the development of diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of polyadenylate synthetase provides valuable insights into the regulation of gene expression and may have implications for therapeutic interventions in various diseases.
Common Misspellings for POLYADENYLATE SYNTHETASE
- oolyadenylate synthetase
- lolyadenylate synthetase
- -olyadenylate synthetase
- 0olyadenylate synthetase
- pilyadenylate synthetase
- pklyadenylate synthetase
- pllyadenylate synthetase
- pplyadenylate synthetase
- p0lyadenylate synthetase
- p9lyadenylate synthetase
- pokyadenylate synthetase
- popyadenylate synthetase
- pooyadenylate synthetase
- poltadenylate synthetase
- polgadenylate synthetase
- polhadenylate synthetase
- poluadenylate synthetase
- pol7adenylate synthetase
- pol6adenylate synthetase
- polyzdenylate synthetase
Etymology of POLYADENYLATE SYNTHETASE
The word "Polyadenylate Synthetase" has its etymology rooted in the Greek and Latin languages.
- "Poly" comes from the Greek word "polys", meaning "many" or "multiple".
- "Adeny-" is derived from the Latin word "aden", which means "gland" or "knot".
- "-late" is a suffix added to "adeny-" to form the verb "adenylate", meaning to combine with adenosine monophosphate (AMP).
Therefore, "Polyadenylate" can be understood as "many adenylation" or "multiple adenylations".
- "Synthetase" is derived from the Greek word "synthesis", meaning "putting together" or "composition". In biology, "synthetase" refers to an enzyme responsible for synthesizing or assembling molecules.
