BIOL 190A Ch. 11 Non-coding RNAs: Functions and Roles in Biology

Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs)

RNA molecules that do not encode polypeptides.

Ribozyme

RNA with catalytic function, e.g., ribosomal activity.

Scaffold

Binds multiple components to form a complex.

Guide

Directs molecules to specific cellular locations.

Blocker

Prevents a cellular process from occurring.

Decoy

Sequesters ncRNAs, preventing their function.

Telomeres

Repeat sequences protecting chromosome ends.

Telomerase

Enzyme that extends telomeres using RNA.

TERC

ncRNA component of telomerase for binding.

HOTAIR

ncRNA regulating transcription by scaffolding proteins.

RNA interference (RNAi)

Process silencing mRNAs via ncRNAs.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs)

Endogenous ncRNAs regulating gene expression.

Small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs)

ncRNAs promoting RNA interference in cells.

Double-stranded RNA

More effective than single-stranded RNA in mRNA degradation.

mRNA degradation

Process of breaking down messenger RNA.

Chromatin structure

Organization of DNA and proteins in the nucleus.

Transcription

Process of synthesizing RNA from DNA.

Translation

Process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA.

Programmed cell death

Cellular process leading to intentional cell death.

3' overhang

Unreplicated end of a DNA strand.

Gene expression

Process by which genes are transcribed and translated.

Histone modification

Chemical changes to histones affecting gene expression.

Experimental tools

Methods developed to study RNA structure and function.

C. elegans

Model organism used in RNA interference studies.

Protein sorting

Process directing proteins to their functional locations.

Genome defense

Mechanisms protecting the genome from damage.

Plant health

Well-being of plants influenced by genetic factors.

Human disease

Health conditions linked to genetic factors.

RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC)

Complex formed by miRNA/siRNA and proteins.

Dicer enzyme

Cytosolic enzyme that cleaves precursor RNAs.

Precursor-miRNA

Cleaved form of primary-miRNA before export.

Signal Recognition Particle (SRP)

RNA-protein complex targeting proteins to ER.

tracrRNA

Non-coding RNA guiding Cas9 in CRISPR.

CRISPR-Cas system

Bacterial defense mechanism against bacteriophages.

Adaptation phase

Incorporation of bacteriophage DNA into CRISPR.

Expression phase

Transcription of CRISPR, tracr, and Cas9 genes.

Interference phase

Cleavage of bacteriophage DNA by Cas9.

ncRNA roles

Functions include scaffold, guide, and blocker.

GTPase activity

Hydrolysis of GTP, stimulated by SRP RNA.

Polypeptide targeting

Process directed by SRP to ER membrane.

Bacteriophage

Virus that infects bacteria.

ncRNA in cancer

Abnormal miRNA levels linked to tumorigenesis.

ncRNA in plant health

Essential for seed development and stress response.

ER signal sequence

Sequence recognized by SRP during translation.

Cas genes

Protein-encoding genes in CRISPR-Cas system.

Spacer sequences

Unique sequences between repeats in CRISPR.

ncRNA and neurological disorders

Linked to conditions like Alzheimer's disease.

ncRNA and cardiovascular diseases

Associated with arrhythmias and heart conditions.

Hairpin structure

Folding pattern of primary-miRNA.

GTP-binding proteins

Proteins that hydrolyze GTP during SRP function.

Translation pause

Temporary halt caused by SRP binding.