mRNA Processing in Eukaryotes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to mRNA processing in eukaryotes including definitions and functions, crucial for upcoming exams.

mRNA processing

The steps taken to modify primary RNA transcripts into mature mRNA, including the addition of a 5' cap, splicing, and addition of a 3' poly-A tail.

5' methyl cap

A modified guanine nucleotide added to the 5' end of an mRNA transcript to protect it from degradation and assist in ribosome recognition.

Poly-A tail

A sequence of about 250 adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of an mRNA molecule to stabilize it and facilitate export from the nucleus.

Introns

Non-coding sequences in a gene that are transcribed into RNA but are removed during RNA processing.

Exons

Coding sequences in a gene that are retained in the final mRNA after RNA splicing.

Spliceosome

A complex of proteins and RNA that catalyzes the removal of introns and the joining of exons during mRNA splicing.

Alternative splicing

A process by which different combinations of exons are joined together to create multiple mRNA variants from a single gene.

RNA splicing

The process of removing introns from the primary RNA transcript and joining exons together.

Transcription

The process by which DNA is copied into mRNA by RNA polymerase.

Translation

The process of synthesizing proteins from mRNA in the ribosome.