Lexic.us

Definition of Messenger RNA

1. Noun. The template for protein synthesis; the form of RNA that carries information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites of protein synthesis in the cell.

Definition of Messenger RNA

1. Noun. (biochemistry) RNA that encodes and carries information from DNA during transcription to sites of protein synthesis to undergo translation in order to yield a protein. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Messenger RNA

1. Single stranded RNA molecule that specifies the amino acid sequence of one or more polypeptide chains. This information is translated during protein synthesis when ribosomes bind to the mRNA. In prokaryotes, mRNA is normally formed by splicing a large primary transcript from a DNA sequence and protein synthesis starts while the mRNA is still being synthesised. Prokaryote mRNAs are usually very short lived (average t 1/2 is 5mins.). In contrast, in eukaryotes the primary transcripts (HnRNA) are synthesised in the nucleus and they are extensively processed to give the mRNA that is exported to the cytoplasm where protein synthesis takes place. This processing includes the addition of a 5' 5' linked 7 methyl guanylate cap at the 5' end and a sequence of adenylate groups at the 3' end, the poly A tail, as well as the removal of any introns and the splicing together of exons, only 10% of HnRNA leaves the nucleus. Eukaryote mRNAs are comparatively long lived with a half life ranging from 30minutes to 24 hours. (27 Jun 1999)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Messenger RNA

Literary usage of Messenger RNA

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Inside the Cell by Maya Pines (1990)
"There are several forms of RNA, including messenger RNA, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA (all involved in protein synthesis), as well as several small RNA's ..."

2. Glossary of HIV/Aids-related Terms edited by Barry Leonard (1995)
"TRANSCRIPTION: The process of constructing a messenger RNA molecule using a DNA molecule as a template with the resulting transfer of genetic information to ..."

3. Science by American Association for the Advancement of Science (1883)
"Nakada and Magasanik estimated the concentration of lac messenger RNA (mRNA) by the capacity of cells to synthesize /î-galactosidase after removal of the ..."

4. Gene Expression in Field Crops: Bibliography January 1991-November 1992 edited by Janet Saunders, Robert D. Warmbrodt (1995)
"Language: English Descriptors: Oryza sativa; Genes; Plant proteins; Nucleotide sequences; Amino acid sequences; Roots; Introns; Exons; messenger RNA ..."

5. Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (1903)
"Cortisol is thought to induce PEPCK synthesis by stimulating DNA transcription and production of new messenger RNA, while dibutyryl cyclic AMP is believed ..."

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