Name: rna types in gene expression
Uploaded: 2025-05-22T09:05:54.000Z
Duration: 1 min 20 s
Channel: JoVE

K12 Standards

Georgia Standards of Excellence

9-12

Biology

SB2.a

Types of RNA

There are three types of RNA that have a direct role in protein synthesis&#8212;messenger RNA or mRNA, transfer RNA or tRNA, and ribosomal RNA or rRNA.
mRNA is first transcribed from DNA by complementary base pairing. In an mRNA molecule, codons, groups of three nucleotides, specify the amino acid sequence and indicate where protein synthesis should start and stop.
Translation occurs after the mRNA travels to the cytoplasm, where it is positioned on the small ribosomal subunit with the help of its rRNA.
Next, a tRNA molecule, with a three-nucleotide anticodon sequence on one end and a specific amino acid on the other, binds to a complementary codon in the mRNA.
The correct tRNAs bind to the mRNA sequentially, and the rRNA in the large ribosomal subunit catalyzes the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids.
The ribosome travels down the mRNA creating a polypeptide with a sequence of amino acids specified by the mRNA.

types of rna

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse functions and can be broadly classified as protein-coding or non-coding RNA. Non-coding RNAs play important roles in regulating gene expression in response to developmental and environmental changes. Non-coding RNAs in prokaryotes can be manipulated to develop more effective antibacterial drugs for human or animal use.
RNA Performs Diverse but Cooperative Functions 
The central dogma of molecular biology states that DNA contains the information that encodes proteins, and RNA uses this information to direct protein synthesis.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the protein-coding RNA. It consists of codons&#8212;sequences of three nucleotides that encode a specific amino acid. Transfer RNA (tRNA) and ribosomal RNA (rRNA) are non-coding RNA. tRNA acts as an adaptor molecule that reads the mRNA sequence and places amino acids in the correct order in the growing polypeptide chain. rRNA and other proteins make up the ribosome&#8212;the seat of protein synthesis in the cell. During translation, ribosomes move along an mRNA strand where they stabilize the binding of tRNA molecules and catalyze the formation of peptide bonds between amino acids. Thus, different types of RNA perform specific but complementary functions during protein synthesis.
Non-coding RNAs in Eukaryotes Regulate Gene Expression
Non-coding RNAs other than tRNA and rRNA were initially considered &#34;genomic junk&#34; since they did not encode proteins. However, their roles in regulating gene expression were discovered over the past few decades and continue to be extensively researched. Based on their length, non-coding RNAs may be classified as small regulatory RNAs (&#60; 100 nucleotides) or long non-coding RNAs (&#62; 200 nucleotides).
Both small regulatory RNAs and long non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression by altering various stages of transcription and translation. Non-coding RNAs affect mRNA splicing&#8212;removal of non-coding segments and joining the protein-coding sequences. In this manner, they control the formation of different protein variants from a single gene. Small regulatory RNAs such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) bind to complementary sequences on mRNA and inhibit protein synthesis either by blocking the access of the translation machinery to the mRNA or by degrading the mRNA itself. Long non-coding RNAs interact with and recruit enzymes that chemically modify DNA and histones &#8212; proteins that help package DNA into the nucleus &#8212; to either activate or repress transcription.

Three main types of RNA are involved in protein synthesis: messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). These RNAs perform diverse ...

Education

JoVE Core

Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 1

Essential Cellular Processes

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

rna types in gene expression

RNA types play different roles in gene expression. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, helps carry and use genetic information in cells. The main types discussed here are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA.

Messenger RNA, or mRNA, carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome. The ribosome is the site where proteins are made. Ribosomal RNA, or rRNA, is a key part of the ribosome itself. Transfer RNA, or tRNA, brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein building.

These RNA molecules work together during protein synthesis. mRNA provides the message, rRNA helps form the protein-making machinery, and tRNA matches amino acids to the code. Understanding these RNA types helps explain how cells turn genetic instructions into proteins.

RNA Types in Gene Expression

the central dogma

Central Dogma: DNA to Protein

The central dogma explains how genetic information flows in cells from DNA to RNA to protein. It is a core idea in molecular biology and helps show how genes influence cell function. DNA stores the instructions. During transcription, a cell copies a gene into RNA, which is a related nucleic acid. That RNA message can then be used in translation to build a protein. Proteins carry out many jobs in cells and help determine traits. The central dogma links the genetic code in DNA to the molecules...

replication in eukaryotes

Eukaryotic DNA Copying at the Replication Fork

Eukaryotic DNA copying happens at replication forks, where the two DNA strands separate and new strands are built. This process lets a cell make an exact copy of its genetic material before it divides. The transcript explains that eukaryotic replication follows the same basic steps seen in other DNA replication systems, but it takes place in cells with a nucleus. The replication machinery works on each separated strand as a template, so the new DNA matches the original sequence. This topic is...

RNA types play different roles in gene expression. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, helps carry and use genetic information in cells. The main types discussed here are messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA. Messenger RNA, or mRNA, carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosome. The ribosome is the site where proteins are made. Ribosomal RNA, or rRNA, is a key part of the ribosome itself. Transfer RNA, or tRNA, brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome during protein building. These...

transcription

Transcription and RNA Synthesis

Transcription is the process of making RNA from a DNA template. It is a key step in gene expression, because cells use the DNA sequence to build an RNA copy that can carry the message forward. During transcription, RNA polymerase binds to DNA and reads one strand as the template. The enzyme links RNA nucleotides together in the correct order to form a growing RNA molecule. This copying step does not make DNA; it produces RNA. The transcript focuses on the central idea of transcription as DNA...

translation

Translation: mRNA to Protein

Translation is the step in gene expression where ribosomes use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to build a protein. The mRNA sequence carries the instructions copied from DNA. During translation, those instructions are read in order so the cell can make a specific chain of amino acids. This process depends on the ribosome and transfer RNA, or tRNA. The ribosome reads the mRNA, and tRNA brings the matching amino acids. As the chain grows, the amino acids are linked together to form a polypeptide, which...

regulation of expression at multiple steps

regulation-of-expression-at-multiple-steps

How Cells Control Gene Expression

Cells control gene expression at several stages, from making RNA to building protein. These checkpoints include transcription, RNA processing, RNA localization, and translation. Together, they help decide when a gene is used and whether a protein is made. Transcription is controlled by regulatory proteins. Transcription factors, activators, and repressors can start or slow the transcription of genes. After transcription, the cell makes a precursor RNA, also called pre-mRNA. Pre-mRNA must be...

what is the cell cycle?

Cell Cycle Stages in Cell Growth

The cell cycle is the process that controls cell growth and division. It explains how one cell makes two new cells. This process helps cells grow and reproduce.

interphase

Interphase and Cell Growth

Interphase is the part of the cell cycle when a cell grows and prepares to divide. It is a major stage of the cell cycle, and it comes before cell division begins. During interphase, the cell carries out its normal functions. It also copies its DNA so each new cell can receive a full set of genetic material. The cell may also build up the materials it needs for division. Interphase is not a single step. It includes phases such as G1, S, and G2, which help the cell grow, copy DNA, and get...

mitosis and cytokinesis

Cell Division: Mitosis and Cytokinesis

Cell division depends on mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is the stage when the cell’s nucleus divides and the copied chromosomes are separated into two sets. Cytokinesis is the step that follows and splits the cell into two daughter cells. These two processes work together to make sure each new cell receives genetic material and its own cytoplasm. Mitosis keeps the chromosome sets organized, while cytokinesis finishes the division of the whole cell. Together, they create two separate cells...

the cell cycle control system

Cell Cycle Checkpoints and Cyclin Control

The cell cycle is controlled by checkpoints that help a cell move from one phase to the next and begin mitosis. This control system uses internal regulatory molecules and outside signals to send stop or advance instructions. It makes sure each step is finished before the cell moves forward. Cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases, or Cdks, are the main regulators of the cell cycle. They act during the G1, G2, and M phases. These regulators work at specific checkpoints to keep cell division...

molecular factors affecting cell division

molecular-factors-affecting-cell-division

Cell Cycle Regulators That Control Division

Cell division is controlled by outside signals and by internal cell cycle regulators. Nearby cell death can encourage division, and human growth hormone (hGH) can also promote it. In contrast, too little hGH or crowded cells can slow or stop division. Inside the cell, regulator molecules help each stage finish correctly before the next stage begins. Some regulators act directly on the cycle, while others affect the activity or production of other regulatory proteins. These molecules can either...

what is meiosis?

Meiosis and the Formation of Gametes

Meiosis is the cell division process that forms gametes, or sex cells. It reduces the chromosome number so offspring can inherit the correct amount of genetic material. This process includes two successive divisions. First, one cell divides, and then the resulting cells divide again. These steps separate the genetic material in a controlled way. Meiosis helps explain how sexual reproduction passes traits from one generation to the next. It is a key topic in high school biology because it...

overview of cell signaling

Cell Signaling Pathways and Responses

Cell signaling pathways and responses help cells communicate and react to changes. Cells send signals to one another, and those signals can trigger a specific response in the target cell. A signal usually begins when a signaling molecule reaches a cell with the right receptor, which is a protein that receives the message. The receptor helps the cell recognize the signal and start the communication process. Inside the cell, the message can move through a signaling pathway. This pathway passes...

types of signaling molecules

Chemical Messengers in Cell Signaling

Chemical messengers help cells communicate during signaling. These signaling molecules carry information from one cell to another and guide how cells respond. Some signaling molecules are gases, while others are proteins or peptides. Small lipids can also act as signals. In addition, cells may use steroids, amino acids, and even ions as signaling molecules. Each type of signaling molecule has different properties and works in a different way. Together, these molecules let cells send specific...

g protein-coupled receptors

G Protein-coupled Receptor Signaling

G protein-coupled receptors are a major class of cell-surface receptors. They help cells detect signals outside the cell and pass that information inward. These receptors are important in many kinds of cell communication. When a signal binds to a G protein-coupled receptor, the receptor changes shape. That change activates a G protein inside the cell. The activated G protein can then start a signaling pathway. This signaling system includes the receptor, the G protein, and the downstream...

cellular differentiation

From Stem Cell to Specialized Cells

Cellular differentiation turns unspecialized cells into specialized cells with specific jobs. This process helps a complex organism, such as a human, develop from a single fertilized egg into a body with many cell types. Nerve cells, muscle cells, and epithelial cells are examples of the final cell types that appear during development. A zygote is the first cell after fertilization. It is a totipotent stem cell, which means it has very high differentiation potential and can form all cell types...

key terms and concepts

Explore messenger RNA, ribosomal RNA, and transfer RNA, and see how each RNA type helps carry and use genetic information during protein synthesis.

RNA Types in Gene Expression | JoVE K12

anatomy and physiology

JoVE Core Anatomy and Physiology showcases the anatomical and physiological details of the human body in comprehensive, clear, and engaging video animations. This collection of lessons focuses on the structures, components, functions, and requirements of the human body. It is complemented by scientist-in-action videos that demonstrate the application of this knowledge in real-world medical and research settings.

The Central Dogma

Replication in Eukaryotes

Transcription

Translation

Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps

The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. ...

Construct an explanation of how the structures of DNA and RNA lead to the expression of information within the cell via the processes of replication, transcription, and translation

What is Meiosis?

Meiosis I

Meiosis is the division of a diploid cell into haploid cells forming sperm and eggs in animals through differentiation. Meiosis I is the first stage of ...

Meiosis II

Meiosis II entails cell division and segregation of the sister chromatids, resulting in the production of four unique haploid gametes. The steps for ...

Crossing over

Nondisjunction

Genome Copying Errors

DNA replication is a well-evolved process that copies millions of base pairs with high fidelity during each cell division. Occasionally a wrong base or a ...

Overview of DNA Repair

In order to be passed through generations, genomic DNA must be undamaged and error-free. However, every day, DNA in a cell undergoes several thousand to a ...

Base Excision Repair

One of the common DNA damages is the chemical alteration of single bases by alkylation, oxidation, or deamination. The altered bases cause mispairing and ...

RNA Editing

RNA editing is a post-transcriptional modification where a precursor mRNA (pre-mRNA) nucleotide sequence is changed by base insertion, deletion, or ...

Mutations

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and ...

Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers

Retroviruses are RNA viruses that have been shown to cause cancers in diverse species, including chickens, mice, cats, and monkeys. The RNA genomes of ...

Construct an argument based on evidence to support the claim that inheritable genetic variations may result from:New genetic combinations through meiosis (crossing over, nondisjunction), Non-lethal errors occurring during replication (insertions, deletions, substitutions), Heritable mutations caused by environmental factors (radiation, chemicals, and viruses)

SB2.b

Transgenic Plants

Recombinant DNA technology called transgenesis is often used to add a foreign gene or remove a detrimental gene from an organism. Such genetically ...

Transgenic Organisms

Overview

Transgenic organisms are genetically engineered to carry transgenes&#x2014;genes from a different species&#x2014;as part of their genome. The ...

Testing For Genetically Modified Foods

Source: Laboratories of Margaret Workman and Kimberly Frye - Depaul University
Genetic modification of foods has been a controversial issue due to debated ...

Genetic Engineering of Model Organisms

Transgenesis, or the use of genetic engineering to alter gene expression, is widely used in the field of developmental biology. Scientists use a number of ...

Ask questions to gather and communicate information about the use and ethical considerations of biotechnology in forensics, medicine, and agriculture

SB2.c

Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to analyze how genetic information is expressed in cells

RNA Types in Gene Expression

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