What is the function of mRNA?
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA
to ribosomes, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. mRNA is
synthesized through the process of transcription, which involves the copying of DNA
sequence into RNA sequence. During transcription, the enzyme RNA polymerase
reads the DNA sequence and synthesizes a complementary RNA molecule, using
the base-pairing rule.
The function of mRNA is to act as a carrier of genetic information from DNA to
ribosomes, which are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. The
sequence of nucleotides in mRNA determines the sequence of amino acids in the
protein that is synthesized.
In eukaryotic cells, mRNA is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus and then
undergoes several processing steps before it is transported to the cytoplasm for
translation. These processing steps include the addition of a 5' cap and a poly-A tail
to the mRNA molecule, as well as splicing out of introns.
The amount of mRNA in a cell can increase or decrease in response to changes in
the environment or cellular conditions. This regulation can occur at any stage of
gene expression, including transcription, RNA processing, and mRNA degradation.
In summary, mRNA is a crucial molecule for the transfer of genetic information from
DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. Its regulation is important for the proper
functioning of cells and organisms.
References:
1. Alberts et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition.
2. Lodish et al. Molecular Cell Biology. 8th edition.
3. Berg et al. Biochemistry. 8th edition.