Structure of m RNA
Structure of mRNA (Messenger RNA) mRNA is a single-stranded RNA molecule that carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. 1. General Features Composed of ribonucleotides (A, U, G, C) Single-stranded and linear Has 5′ → 3′ polarity Sequence is complementary to the DNA template strand 2. Structural Components of Eukaryotic mRNA 1. 5′ Cap Modified 7-methyl guanosine (m⁷G) added to the 5′ end Functions: Protects mRNA from degradation Helps ribosome binding Required for nuclear export 2. 5′ Untranslated Region (5′ UTR) Lies between the 5′ cap and start codon Regulates translation initiation 3. Coding Region Begins with start codon (AUG) Ends with a stop codon (UAA, UAG, or UGA) Contains codons that specify amino acids 4. 3′ Untranslated Region (3′ UTR) Located after the stop codon Involved in: mRNA stability Regulation of translation 5. Poly-A Tail A stretch of adenine nucleotides (≈50–250 A’s) at the 3′ end Functions: Prevents degradation Enhances t...