The spelling of the word "pre tRNA" is determined by its phonetic transcription. The IPA symbols represent each sound in the word. The first two letters, "pre," are pronounced with a short "e" sound /prɛ/. The remaining letters, "tRNA," are pronounced /tiː ɑr eɪ en/. Each letter represents a distinct sound in the word. Overall, the correct spelling of "pre tRNA" involves understanding its phonetic transcription and accurately representing each sound in the word.
Pre tRNA, short for precursor transfer RNA, refers to an intermediate molecule that is synthesized during the process of protein synthesis. This molecule acts as a precursor to the formation of mature transfer RNA (tRNA).
Pre tRNA is initially transcribed from DNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells, while in prokaryotes, it is synthesized directly in the cytoplasm by an RNA polymerase enzyme. This pre tRNA molecule consists of a single strand of RNA that undergoes several post-transcriptional modifications to become functional tRNA.
The primary structure of pre tRNA consists of a sequence of nucleotides that are complementary to a specific codon on the mRNA molecule. Along with this codon recognition site, pre tRNA also possesses a region called the anticodon that is complementary to the codon and is responsible for base pairing during translation.
Post-transcriptional modifications of pre tRNA are crucial for its maturation into functional tRNA. These modifications include base modifications, such as methylation and isomerization reactions, as well as intron removal and addition of a CCA (cytosine, cytosine, adenine) sequence at the 3’ end, which is essential for amino acid attachment.
Once these modifications are complete, the pre tRNA molecule is further processed to remove any remaining introns or extra nucleotides before it can undergo final folding into its characteristic cloverleaf structure, forming mature tRNA. This mature tRNA molecule is then involved in the transport of amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis, playing a crucial role in the accurate translation of mRNA into a polypeptide chain.
The term "pre tRNA" is used to describe a precursor molecule that undergoes processing to become transfer RNA (tRNA). The word "pre" in this context simply means before or prior to something.
The etymology of "tRNA" is as follows:
- "t" stands for transfer, referring to the role of these molecules in transferring specific amino acids to the growing polypeptide chain during protein synthesis.
- "RNA" stands for ribonucleic acid, a type of nucleic acid involved in various biological processes, including protein synthesis and gene expression.
Therefore, "pre tRNA" can be understood as a molecule that is in an earlier or immature state, undergoing further processing to become functional tRNA.