The Nucleotide Sequence in mRNA is Determined By [SOLVED]

DNA is the main source of genetic information. The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by DNA. How does DNA affect the nucleotide sequence? This article will discuss this completely.

DNA as a Blueprint that Determines the Nucleotide Sequence in mRNA

Depending on the DNA strand, the nucleotide on that strand will affect the nucleotide in the mRNA. It can be said that the nucleotide in DNA becomes the template strand. The transcription process makes the genetic information copied into RNA molecules.

The genetic information from the DNA is processed into proteins. Some of us may already know that the DNA strand structure is double-stranded. However, only one of them can serve as a mold to support transcription. On the strand that becomes the mold, there is a separate nucleotide sequence.

The nucleotide sequence determines how the sequence of base pairs. The sequence of bases will be arranged in mRNA and follow a certain complementary pattern. The bases have specific pairs that hold the strands together. Only one strand of DNA is the mold in transcription, which is called the non-coding strand, antisense strand, or template strand.

The Nucleotide Sequence in mRNA is Determined By

How Does RNA Polymerase Also Have a Role?

We also need to know how RNA Polymerase plays a role in determining the nucleotide sequence. The way this enzyme works is to attach to the promoter area (in DNA). This is the sequence that becomes the initial benchmark of the gene before it is transcribed in the next process in DNA. RNA Polymerase will read the nucleotide in such a way and read the genetics in the DNA as well.

After RNA Polymerase reads the information, it will be translated to the complementary sequence (in mRNA). RNA Polymerase being the central enzyme, its main responsibility is around the synthesis of mRNA molecules and there are certain types. RNA Polymerase can be in types I to III.

Each RNA polymerase has its specific responsibilities, especially in the process of RNA transcription. Type II is the one that has a specific task for mRNA transcription. The way it works more clearly is that RNA Polymerase binds to a certain area first of the DNA. This is called the Promoter, which is a DNA sequence upstream of the gene that functions to introduce the RNA Polymerase.

How Does the Transcription Process Work?

The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by DNA factors and also how transcription works. Transcription is an essential process, its main function is to regulate genetic expression to copy genetic information. Later the genetic information will be conveyed to RNA (especially mRNA) from DNA.

As a genetic specialist, I will explain how the transcription process starts from initiation to termination which ends the transcription.

1. The Starting Point of Everything

Initiation is the beginning of transcription, it binds transcription factors and RNA polymerase to the promoter region and the result is the pre-initiation complex. This is the specific sequence that defines the transcription start site.

Usually, the promoter area contains certain regulatory elements such as TATA boxes. Later it will guide the direction of RNA polymerase so that it does not go to the wrong location. RNA polymerase will then open the DNA helix that has the printed strand in it. After transcription is complete, it then proceeds to elongation.

2. mRNA Chain Construction

What is elongation in the transcription process? It is the process of adding ribonucleotides to the mRNA molecule in sequence. The work of RNA polymerase will continue to synthesize complementary molecules and read the DNA sequence.

In this elongation stage, it has a major effect on the nucleotide sequence. The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by how the bases are paired. In this stage, it is quite complex and the polymerized RNA will be bound to the DNA for a long time. Therefore, the synthesis of mRNA molecules cannot take place quickly.

Besides that, the length of the RNA molecule can increase depending on the activity of RNA polymerase in transcription. RNA polymerase will move with the transcription bubble.

3. Final Stage of Transcription

The final stage of transcription is termination. In the termination process, the mRNA molecule is released and then synthesized. The way termination works is quite diverse, especially in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Termination in eukaryotes will process pre-mRNA molecules and can be more complex than the prokaryote case.

Whereas in prokaryotes, RNA polymerase will be released based on specific and simpler DNA sequences. So, transcription will end when RNA polymerase is at the termination signal stage. The termination signal becomes a reference for RNA Polymerase to stop the transcription process.

After the RNA is released, RNA polymerase will release the DNA. The DNA strand will return to its normal configuration.

Some Other Factors that Affect the mRNA Sequence

Several other factors may affect the mRNA sequence. The DNA template is the main factor while there are other factors as well. The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by these factors:

1. RNAi

What is RNAi? RNAi is an RNA interference that results in translational repression or degradation of mRNA. These results can affect the mRNA molecule. RNAi usually relies on certain small molecules such as microRNA and small interfering RNA.

When paired with mRNA, the molecule can stop translation or degrade the mRNA. Although RNAi does not directly affect the nucleotide sequence, the stability and presence of mRNA can be affected.

2. Enzyme for RNA editing

Although transcription is complete, the sequence of the nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by certain enzymes. RNA editing like this can change the protein code or change the nucleotide bases. An example of RNA editing is adenosine to inosine through deamination which can modify the mRNA sequence. The process can produce a protein that is not the same as the one that the DNA coded in the first place.

3. Effect of the external environment

The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by several factors including temperature, nutrition, and mental state. These factors can affect mRNA levels because they affect the transcription of certain genes. If exposed to certain chemicals, gene expression can change and mRNA synthesis can be different from the beginning.

What are the Functions of mRNA in Cells?

To understand more about nucleotide sequences, you must know in depth what mRNA does. The role of mRNA is crucial for human cells, especially around protein synthesis and gene expression. The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by DNA nucleotides and also guides ribosomes to produce proteins.

For more details, check out some of the functions of mRNA below:

Guides Amino Acid Chaining

Amino acids are processed in the body to become proteins. mRNA has an important role to play because its nucleotide sequence can guide ribosomes to make the protein. The way it works is that ribosomes first read the codon sequence and then translate it into amino acids.

Ribosome and DNA Intermediates

Another function is to carry genetic information from DNA outside the cell nucleus. DNA has a different location from ribosomes, ribosomes are in the cytoplasm while DNA is in the cell nucleus. mRNA can support cells to express genes through the transfer of genetic information.

Control of Gene Expression

The function of mRNA also revolves around the regulation of gene expression. For gene expression to be controlled, cells must regulate the stability and intensity of mRNA. Therefore, changes to the mRNA structure can affect translational efficiency.

Examples of mRNA modifications include modifications to the UTR region and other cases. The result is that cells can quickly respond to specific metabolic needs and environmental changes.

Supports Information Storage

mRNA will store genetic information even though it is not permanent, it is still crucial. In addition to being temporary, it can also be degraded after use so that it is different from the characteristics of DNA which is the opposite. The nature of mRNA can support cells to more quickly regulate gene expression as needed.

Produces a Variety Of Proteins

Another function of mRNA is the diversification of proteins, especially by alternative splicing. This process can make one gene produce various mRNAs. One gene can produce a variety of protein isoforms or the so-called cell proteome (a collection of proteins from gene expression).

Response to External Stimulus

External stimuli such as growth factors or hormones can be responded to by cells through mRNA function. The degradation and production of mRNA can change rapidly. This can make the cell respond faster to the external stimulus.

Controlling Protein

Proteins produced by cells can be dangerous without mRNA. mRNA has one of the essential mechanisms for protein control, NMD. This nonsense-mediated decay can detect mutations to ensure safe protein production.

Cell Differentiation

mRNAs have specific expression patterns. These characteristics are important to support cell differentiation and development. Depending on the changes in the profile, cells can differentiate into specific types. So, these are some of the main functions of mRNA that are important for cell performance.

The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by transcription that uses DNA as a template. This is related to the function of mRNA which conveys genetic information to ribosomes. From the nucleotide sequence of mRNA, it can determine how the amino acids are sequenced to proceed to translation.

The nucleotide sequence becomes the code for translating the information to produce a functional and non-defective protein.

How is mRNA Applied to Medicine?

The development of mRNA technology and modification can support various medical fields. You can learn how mRNA is applied in medicine in the following examples:

1. Cancer Treatment

The application of mRNA is used for immunotherapy such as in cancer treatment. mRNA can be used to code antigens based on tumor specifics to support personalized vaccines. mRNA can also be used to modify T cells that can detect cancer cells such as in CAR-T Therapy.

2. Protein Production

In certain genetic diseases, proteins may not function properly or may be missing. mRNA can be used in these cases. Various medical therapies can produce specific proteins or therapeutic proteins that occur directly in the cell. This protein replacement therapy can be used for hemophilia, lysosomal diseases, or cystic fibrosis.

3. Genetic Correction

The application of mRNA can also be for gene therapy such as in genetic correction without genomic changes that can help overcome genetic disorders. mRNA can also be applied to metabolic diseases, especially by supplying enzymes that are missing due to the disease. Such mRNA applications can prevent the risks of DNA-based therapies, especially those related to genomic integration.

4. Wound Healing

mRNA can also be applied to wound healing. Increasing the intensity of certain important proteins can make wounds heal quickly. mRNA can also be used to regulate the code of growth factors so that it can support regeneration.

5. Therapeutic Antibodies

To treat infectious diseases, mRNA therapy can also be relied upon. Therapeutic antibodies can produce antibodies in the body through mRNA synthesis. mRNA can also be applied to antiviral therapy, which produces proteins to inhibit the virus from replicating.

6. Skin Rejuvenation and Treatment

In the field of dermatology, mRNA can also be applied to rejuvenate the skin and treat various skin diseases. mRNA is famous for its regeneration function so that it can accelerate wound healing including chronic wounds. But mRNA can also be applied to vitiligo therapy, psoriasis, and others as a treatment for skin diseases.

To rejuvenate the skin, the mRNA is packaged in specific vectors such as nano lipids for delivery to skin cells. Once inside the cell, ribosomes translate the mRNA, which stimulates the production of elastin and collagen to rejuvenate the skin.

FAQs

What does mRNA determine?

The nucleotide sequence has a great influence on the stability of mRNA. Nucleotides will affect both the structure of the mRNA and the accessibility of binding proteins.

What does the base sequence in RNA determine?

The sequence of bases along the RNA can determine how the RNA folds or determine the shape of the strand dimensions. If the bases are changed, then both the function and shape of the molecule will change as well so RNA can be versatile because of that.

How is mRNA detected?

There are several strategies for mRNA detection. Some of these strategies include In Situ hybridization, Nuclease Protection Assay, RT-PCR, and Northern Blotting.

What determines the nucleotide sequence in mRNA?

The nucleotide sequence in mRNA is determined by the nucleotide sequence in DNA. Its influence is enormous as it relates to authentic copying i.e. the transcription process.

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