About 22-nucleotide RNAs that fine-tune gene expression by blocking translation or promoting mRNA decay.
miRNAs are processed from hairpin precursors by Drosha and Dicer, and partially pair with 3' UTRs, repressing translation or destabilising mRNA. A single miRNA may regulate hundreds of genes.
They shape development, and abnormal levels appear in cancers.
About 22-nucleotide RNAs that fine-tune gene expression by blocking translation or promoting mRNA decay.
microRNA is one of the 52 topics in Molecular Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include Gene Expression, DNA Methylation, Translational Control.
Lin-4 and let-7 control developmental timing in worms.
Work through the Beginner topics in Molecular Biology first, such as Central Dogma, DNA Replication, Base Pairing, then return to microRNA. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
The closest topics to microRNA are Gene Expression, DNA Methylation, Translational Control, Nonsense-Mediated Decay. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for microRNA. To practise the whole of Molecular Biology, use the Molecular Biology quiz.
microRNA: About 22-nucleotide RNAs that fine-tune gene expression by blocking translation or promoting mRNA decay. Gene Expression: The process by which information in a gene is used to make a functional product. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Gene Expression and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Molecular Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.
The process by which information in a gene is used to make a functional product.
🧫 Molecular BiologyAddition of methyl groups to cytosine, usually silencing gene expression.
🧫 Molecular BiologyRegulation of protein synthesis rate through initiation factors, upstream open reading frames and mRNA stability.
🧫 Molecular BiologyA quality-control pathway that destroys mRNAs with premature stop codons.
🧫 Molecular Biology