Summary
A single-stranded RNA copy of a gene that carries instructions to the ribosome.
In depth
Eukaryotic mRNA has a 5' cap, a 5' untranslated region, a coding sequence, a 3' untranslated region and a poly-A tail. Its lifetime ranges from minutes to days and controls protein levels.
Bacterial mRNA is often polycistronic, carrying several genes.
mRNA processing and packaging begin during transcription. The cap is added within seconds as the transcript emerges, and bound proteins form messenger ribonucleoprotein particles that are exported through nuclear pores. Closed-loop formation between the cap and the poly-A tail, bridged by eIF4G and PABP, boosts translation and protects the message.
mRNA degradation is controlled: deadenylation, then decapping and exonuclease digestion, with AU-rich elements in the 3 prime UTR speeding the decay of short-lived messages such as cytokines. mRNA vaccines use modified nucleosides (pseudouridine) to lower innate immune reactions and increase stability.
Remember: bacterial mRNAs are often polycistronic, with several genes on one message, and have no cap or poly-A tail.
Frequently asked questions
What is Messenger RNA?
A single-stranded RNA copy of a gene that carries instructions to the ribosome.
Which area of biology covers Messenger RNA, and how advanced is it?
Messenger RNA is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Beginner, so it suits learners who are starting out in biology. Related topics in this area include Transcription, Central Dogma, RNA Processing.
Can you give an example of Messenger RNA?
MRNA vaccines deliver synthetic mRNA that is translated into antigen and then degrades.
What should I learn before Messenger RNA?
Messenger RNA is a Beginner topic, so no earlier topic is required. Other Beginner topics in Molecular Biology that pair well with it include Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing.
What topics are related to Messenger RNA?
The closest topics to Messenger RNA are Transcription, Central Dogma, RNA Processing, Riboswitches. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Messenger RNA?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Messenger RNA. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
How is Messenger RNA different from Transcription?
Messenger RNA: A single-stranded RNA copy of a gene that carries instructions to the ribosome. Transcription: The process of making an RNA copy of a gene using DNA as a template. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Messenger RNA step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Transcription and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.