Polyadenylation of mRNA
Introduction Polyadenylation is a crucial post-transcriptional modification in eukaryotic cells, involving the addition of a poly(A) tail to the 3' end of mRNA transcripts. This process plays a significant role in RNA stability, nuclear export, translation, and degradation. In this article, we will explore the mechanism of polyadenylation, its biological significance, and its implications in health and disease. Buy vitamins and supplements What is Polyadenylation? Polyadenylation refers to the enzymatic addition of a stretch of adenine nucleotides (the poly(A) tail) to the 3' end of a precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA). This tail is not encoded by the DNA but is added post-transcriptionally. The process ensures that the mRNA is properly processed and functional before it is translated into protein. Poly(A) Tail: A sequence of adenine nucleotides added to the 3' end of mRNA transcripts, typically ranging from 50 to 250 nucleotides in length. Pre-mRNA: The precursor form of mRNA t…