Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a crucial single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.
Here's a more detailed look:
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Function: mRNA acts as an intermediary, conveying the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Ribosomes then use this code to assemble amino acids in the correct sequence to create a specific protein.
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Transcription: mRNA is synthesized during a process called transcription. In this process, DNA serves as a template to create a complementary mRNA strand.
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Structure: mRNA is a linear sequence of nucleotides, each containing a sugar, phosphate, and one of four nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). Note that mRNA uses uracil (U) instead of thymine (T), which is found in DNA.
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Role in Protein Synthesis: The sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the protein. Every three nucleotides (a codon) codes for a specific amino acid.
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Degradation: Unlike DNA, mRNA is relatively unstable and degrades over time. This ensures that protein production is tightly controlled and only occurs when needed.
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Importance: mRNA is essential for all life as we know it because it is a key component in the central dogma of molecular biology, which describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA to protein.
In summary, mRNA is a vital molecule responsible for translating the genetic code into proteins, making it fundamental to cellular function and life itself.
