MRNA

Definition

mRNA, or messenger RNA, is a type of genetic material that cells use to carry instructions from DNA to make proteins.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule of RNA that corresponds to the genetic sequence of a gene, and serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins during the process of translation. It is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus and moves to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where it is translated into an amino acid chain, forming proteins.

Benefits

• Facilitates protein synthesis in cells, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Plays a crucial role in the expression of genes, affecting various bodily functions.
• Helps in maintaining and regulating homeostasis by enabling cells to produce necessary enzymes and hormones.

Examples

• mRNA vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccines, which use mRNA to instruct cells to produce a protein similar to one found on the virus to trigger an immune response.

Additional Information

• importance: mRNA is crucial for translating genetic information into proteins, which perform various structural and functional roles at the cellular level.

Related Terms

• Protein Synthesis
• DNA
• Translation
• Ribosome
• Transcription

References

• Understanding mRNA: Scientific Fundamentals and Implications
• The Role of mRNA in Protein Synthesis