Eukaryotic mRNA Processing

Flashcards covering the key concepts related to the processing of eukaryotic mRNAs, including definitions of key terms and processes.

Eukaryotic mRNA

RNA that is processed in the nucleus before being translated into a protein.

RNA Processing

The steps that eukaryotic mRNA undergoes, including capping, splicing, and polyadenylation, before translation.

Capping

The addition of a guanine nucleotide with a methyl group to the 5' end of an RNA transcript to increase stability, facilitate export, and protect from nucleases.

Poly-A Tail

The addition of adenine nucleotides to the 3' end of mRNA to protect it from nucleases and increase stability.

Nucleases

Enzymes that degrade RNA, making protection mechanisms like capping and the poly-A tail crucial for mRNA stability.

Transcription

The process by which DNA is transcribed into RNA in the nucleus of eukaryotic cells.

Translation

The process by which ribosomes synthesize proteins from mRNA.

Ribosome

The molecular machine in the cytosol that synthesizes proteins by translating mRNA.

Export from Nucleus

The process of transporting processed mRNA out of the nucleus to the cytosol for translation.

5' End

The start of an RNA molecule, where the capping process occurs.

3' End

The end of an RNA molecule where the poly-A tail is added.