Definition

1. Noun:
   • The template for protein synthesis: mRNA is a form of ribonucleic acid (RNA) that serves as an intermediary, carrying genetic instructions copied from DNA.
   • The form of RNA that carries information: It specifically transfers the coded information from the DNA in the cell's nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where proteins are synthesized.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Scientists studied the mRNA to understand how the gene is expressed.
  • The vaccine uses synthetic mRNA to instruct cells to produce a viral protein.
  • During transcription, mRNA is formed using a DNA template.

Advanced Usage

• "mRNA transcript": Refers to the specific RNA molecule produced from a DNA segment during transcription.
  • The stability of the mRNA transcript affects protein levels.
• "mRNA sequence": Refers to the specific order of nucleotide bases in the mRNA molecule.
  • Researchers analyzed the mRNA sequence to identify mutations.
• "mRNA vaccine": A type of vaccine that uses a synthesized strand of mRNA to teach cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response.
  • The development of mRNA vaccines represented a significant technological advance.

Variants and Related Words

• Messenger RNA: The full term for mRNA.
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): The broader category of nucleic acids to which mRNA belongs. Other types include tRNA (transfer RNA) and rRNA (ribosomal RNA).
• Transcription: The process of synthesizing mRNA from DNA.
• Translation: The process of synthesizing a protein from the mRNA template at a ribosome.

Synonyms

• Messenger RNA: The direct synonym and full name.
• Transcript: In a genetic context, this can refer to the RNA product of transcription.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• mRNA degradation: The natural breakdown of mRNA molecules in the cell.
• mRNA cap: A modified nucleotide added to the start of an mRNA molecule that is important for stability and translation.
• Poly-A tail: A sequence of adenine nucleotides added to the end of mRNA, influencing its stability and export from the nucleus.

Noun

1. the template for protein synthesis; the form of RNA that carries information from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome sites of protein synthesis in the cell