🔬general biology i review
Post-transcriptional
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Post-transcriptional regulation refers to the control of gene expression at the RNA level, after transcription has occurred. This can include processes such as RNA splicing, editing, transport, and degradation.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Post-transcriptional modifications can alter the stability and translation efficiency of mRNA.
- Alternative splicing allows a single gene to produce multiple protein isoforms.
- RNA interference (RNAi) is a post-transcriptional process that regulates gene expression by degrading specific mRNA molecules.
- The addition of a 5' cap and poly-A tail in eukaryotic mRNA are critical post-transcriptional modifications for mRNA stability and translation initiation.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in post-transcriptional regulation by binding to target mRNAs and inhibiting their translation.