RNA Molecules and Their Functions

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to RNA structures, functions, and regulatory mechanisms as presented in the lecture.

What is the primary function of messenger RNA (mRNA)?

The primary function of mRNA is to carry genetic information from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.

What are the two main types of RNA involved in gene regulation?

The two main types are microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), which do not produce proteins but regulate gene expression.

What is the role of transcription factors in gene expression?

Transcription factors help initiate and regulate the transcription of genes by binding to specific DNA sequences near the promoter.

What happens to RNA during post-transcriptional modifications in eukaryotes?

In eukaryotes, RNA undergoes capping, polyadenylation, and splicing to become a mature mRNA capable of being translated.

What is alternative splicing?

Alternative splicing is the process of combining different exons in various ways to produce multiple protein isoforms from a single gene.

What is the significance of the poly-A tail at the 3' end of mRNA?

The poly-A tail increases the stability of mRNA and plays a role in the regulation of nuclear export and translation.

How does methylation affect gene expression?

Methylation of DNA can inhibit transcription by preventing transcription factors from binding to the promoter.

What is the function of small RNA molecules like miRNA and siRNA?

These small RNA molecules bind to mRNA and can inhibit translation or lead to degradation of the mRNA, thus regulating gene expression.

What distinguishes a eukaryotic RNA molecule from a prokaryotic RNA molecule?

Eukaryotic RNA undergoes processing such as capping, polyadenylation, and splicing, while prokaryotic RNA typically does not.

What are the key steps in the process of transcription?

The key steps in transcription include initiation, elongation, and termination, where RNA polymerase synthesizes RNA from the DNA template.