How Do You Spell POLYADENYLATION?

Pronunciation: [pˌɒlɪˌadənɪlˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The word "polyadenylation" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌpɒliædɪneɪˈʃən/. This word refers to a process in molecular biology where a long chain of adenine nucleotides (polyA tail) is added to the 3' end of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. The IPA transcription shows how the word is pronounced, with emphasis on the second syllable and the "y" sound represented by the letter "i". Proper use of the IPA can improve accuracy in communication between scientists and researchers in the field of biology.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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POLYADENYLATION Meaning and Definition

  1. Polyadenylation is a process in molecular biology that involves the addition of a string of adenine nucleotides, known as a poly(A) tail, at the 3' end of a pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) molecule during eukaryotic transcription. It is an essential step in gene expression and post-transcriptional modification, responsible for stabilizing and regulating mRNA transcripts.

    Polyadenylation occurs after pre-mRNA synthesis, as part of the mRNA maturation process. It involves the cleavage of the pre-mRNA downstream of a consensus sequence called the polyadenylation signal, which is typically AAUAAA or a variant. This cleavage event is catalyzed by the polyadenylation machinery, a complex comprised of proteins known as cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factors (CPSFs), cleavage stimulation factor (CstF), and poly(A) polymerase (PAP).

    Following cleavage, PAP adds a string of adenine nucleotides to the newly generated 3' end of the mRNA, resulting in the formation of the poly(A) tail. The length of the poly(A) tail can vary from anywhere between 50 to several hundred nucleotides. This poly(A) tail plays a crucial role in mRNA stability, preventing degradation by exonucleases, and facilitating efficient translation and transport of the mRNA to the cytoplasm.

    Polyadenylation is a pivotal process that affects gene expression by regulating mRNA turnover, localization, and protein-coding potential. Its dysregulation can lead to various pathological conditions, including developmental disorders and cancer.

Etymology of POLYADENYLATION

The word "polyadenylation" has the following etymology:

1. "Poly-" comes from the Greek word "polús" meaning "many" or "much".

2. "Aden-" is derived from the Greek word "adēn" meaning "gland".

3. "-ylation" is a suffix used in biochemistry to indicate the addition or attachment of a chemical group.

Therefore, "polyadenylation" refers to the process of adding multiple adenine nucleotides to the 3' end of a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule in genetics.