Is RNA Present in Humans?
Yes, RNA is present in all human cells. It plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and other cellular processes.
RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a vital nucleic acid found in all living cells, including human cells. Unlike DNA, which serves as the long-term storage of genetic information, RNA is involved in the expression of that information. This means RNA is directly responsible for translating the genetic code into proteins, the workhorses of our bodies.
Several key types of RNA exist within human cells, each with specific functions:
-
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA): A major component of ribosomes, the cellular machinery responsible for protein synthesis. Human cells contain millions of ribosomes, and rRNA makes up a significant portion (80-90%) of the total RNA in a cell. [Source: Genome.gov Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) Fact Sheet]
-
Messenger RNA (mRNA): Carries the genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosomes, specifying the sequence of amino acids in the protein being made.
-
Transfer RNA (tRNA): Delivers amino acids to the ribosomes during protein synthesis, matching them to the mRNA sequence.
-
Other Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs): These RNAs don't code for proteins but have regulatory roles, impacting gene expression and other cellular processes. Examples include microRNAs (miRNAs) which regulate gene expression and have been linked to human disease. [Source: Britannica - RNA] Furthermore, extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are found in various human biofluids like saliva, plasma, and breast milk. [Source: exRNA Atlas Analysis Reveals Distinct Extracellular RNA Cargo Types and Their Carriers Present across Human Biofluids] These exRNAs are encapsulated in exosomes and have been extensively studied. [Source: Human saliva, plasma and breast milk exosomes contain RNA] Specific enzymes like ADAR1, involved in RNA editing, also bind to RNA structures like Z-DNA. [Source: A Z-DNA binding domain present in the human editing enzyme] Even ribosomal RNA is polyadenylated in human cells. [Source: Polyadenylation of ribosomal RNA in human cells]
In summary, RNA is not just present in humans; it is essential for life. Its various forms participate in a multitude of cellular functions, from protein production to gene regulation.
