Consider the following statements regarding Messenger RNA (mRNA): It i...
Explanation:
Statement 1: It is a type of double-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis.
This statement is incorrect. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded RNA molecule that is involved in protein synthesis. It is transcribed from a DNA template and carries the genetic information from the DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm, where protein synthesis occurs.
During protein synthesis, mRNA acts as a template for the synthesis of proteins. It carries the genetic code from the DNA to the ribosomes, where the code is translated into a sequence of amino acids, which form the protein.
Statement 2: It is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
This statement is correct. Messenger RNA is synthesized during the process of transcription, which occurs in the nucleus of the cell. Transcription is the process by which the DNA sequence is copied into mRNA.
During transcription, the double-stranded DNA unwinds and one of the DNA strands serves as a template for the synthesis of mRNA. The enzyme RNA polymerase adds complementary RNA nucleotides to the growing mRNA chain, based on the DNA template. This process results in the formation of a single-stranded mRNA molecule that carries the genetic information from the DNA.
Once the mRNA is synthesized in the nucleus, it undergoes post-transcriptional modifications, such as the addition of a protective cap and a poly-A tail, before it is transported out of the nucleus into the cytoplasm.
In conclusion, statement 1 is incorrect as mRNA is a single-stranded RNA molecule, and statement 2 is correct as mRNA is synthesized from a DNA template during the process of transcription. Therefore, the correct answer is option 'B' - 2 only.
Consider the following statements regarding Messenger RNA (mRNA): It i...
Researchers have recently developed an mRNA-based vaccine that can effectively target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium.
What is mRNA?
- Messenger RNA (a mRNA) is a type of single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis.
- mRNA is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
- The role of mRNA is to carry protein information from the DNA in a cell’s nucleus to the cell’s cytoplasm (watery interior), where the protein-making machinery reads the mRNA sequence and translates each three-base codon into its corresponding amino acid in a growing protein chain.
- So mRNA really is a form of nucleic acid which helps the human genome, which is coded in DNA, to be read by the cellular machinery.
About mRNA Vaccines:
- mRNA vaccines work by introducing a piece of mRNA that corresponds to a viral protein, usually a small piece of a protein found on the virus’s outer membrane.
- By using this mRNA, cells can produce the viral protein.
- As part of a normal immune response, the immune system recognizes that the protein is foreign and produces specialized proteins called antibodies.
- Once produced, antibodies remain in the body, even after the body has rid itself of the pathogen, so that the immune system can quickly respond if exposed again.
- Antibodies help protect the body against infection by recognizing individual viruses or other pathogens, attaching to them, and marking the pathogens for destruction.
- If a person is exposed to a virus after receiving mRNA vaccination for it, antibodies can quickly recognize it, attach to it, and mark it for destruction before it can cause serious illness.
- Individuals who get an mRNA vaccine are not exposed to the virus, nor can they become infected with the virus by the vaccine.
- How are mRNA vaccines made?
- To make an mRNA vaccine, scientists must first identify a protein on the outside of the virus that the body’s immune response will respond to (the “target” protein).
- The protein they choose must be sufficiently different from proteins on the outside of the body’s own cells, so the immune system only attacks the virus.
- They then identify the DNA that has the information for making the target protein.
- Scientists use the DNA to produce the mRNA for the target protein.
- Once enough mRNA has been made, the DNA is broken down to ensure that only the mRNA is packaged in the vaccine.
- The speed and efficiency of this process can make large amounts of mRNA in a short period of time.
Hence only statement 2 is correct.