Messenger RNA

Definition

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule that carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized. It acts as a template for the translation of genetic information into functional proteins, playing a crucial role in the central dogma of molecular biology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. mRNA is a single-stranded molecule that carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
2. mRNA serves as a template for the synthesis of proteins, which are the functional molecules of the cell.
3. The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the resulting protein.
4. mRNA is produced during the process of transcription, where the genetic information in DNA is copied into a complementary RNA strand.
5. The stability and lifespan of mRNA molecules can be regulated by various cellular mechanisms, affecting the rate of protein synthesis.

Review Questions

• Explain the role of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the process of base pairing in DNA.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is not directly involved in the process of base pairing in DNA. Base pairing occurs between the complementary nucleotides of the two strands of the DNA double helix, where adenine (A) pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) pairs with cytosine (C). However, mRNA plays a crucial role in the transcription process, where the genetic information stored in DNA is transcribed into a complementary mRNA molecule. This mRNA then serves as a template for the translation of proteins, which are the functional molecules of the cell.
• Describe the relationship between messenger RNA (mRNA) and the process of transcription of DNA.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is directly linked to the process of transcription, as it is the product of this process. During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase reads the genetic information encoded in a DNA template and synthesizes a complementary mRNA molecule. The mRNA then carries this genetic information from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where it is used as a template for the translation of proteins. The sequence of nucleotides in the mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the resulting protein, thus connecting the genetic information stored in DNA to the functional molecules of the cell.
• Evaluate the significance of messenger RNA (mRNA) in the central dogma of molecular biology.
  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a central component of the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information within a biological system. The central dogma states that DNA is transcribed into mRNA, which is then translated into proteins. mRNA plays a crucial role in this process by acting as an intermediary between the genetic information stored in DNA and the synthesis of proteins, the functional molecules of the cell. Without mRNA, the genetic information in DNA could not be effectively utilized to produce the necessary proteins for cellular function and organismal development. The ability of mRNA to carry and transmit genetic information is essential for the proper functioning of living organisms, making it a key player in the central dogma of molecular biology.

Related terms

DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material that contains the instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Transcription: The process of creating a complementary RNA strand from a DNA template, resulting in the synthesis of mRNA.

Ribosomes: Cellular organelles responsible for the translation of mRNA into proteins, the functional molecules of the cell.