mRNA

Definition

mRNA (messenger RNA) is a noun referring to a single-stranded ribonucleic acid molecule that carries a copy of genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (abbreviation)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˌɛm.ɑːrˈɛn.eɪ/
• Respelling: EM-ahr-EN-ay

British English

• IPA: /ˌem.ɑːˈɛn.eɪ/
• Respelling: EM-ah-REN-ay

Etymology

Mid 20th century: abbreviation of messenger RNA, coined after discovery of RNA’s role in carrying genetic code from nucleus to cytoplasm.

Derivatives

• messenger RNA (noun)
• mRNAs (plural)
• mRNA-encoded (adjective)

Synonyms

• messenger ribonucleic acid

Antonyms

• None

Usage

Noun: The noun "mRNA" is used in molecular biology, biotechnology, and medical contexts to refer to the transient RNA copy of a gene used for protein production. For example, "The Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine uses lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA encoding the viral spike protein," or "Researchers optimize mRNA stability to improve translation efficiency in cultured cells."

Related Terms

• tRNA: Transfer RNA that brings amino acids to the ribosome.
• rRNA: Ribosomal RNA that forms the core of the ribosome’s structure and catalytic activity.
• Transcription: The process of synthesizing RNA from a DNA template.
• Translation: The process of synthesizing protein from an mRNA template.
• Codon: A sequence of three nucleotides in mRNA that specifies an amino acid.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A single-stranded RNA molecule transcribed from DNA that carries genetic instructions to the ribosome – functions as the template for assembling amino acids into proteins.
  • Example: "After transcription, the mRNA exits the nucleus and binds to ribosomes in the cytoplasm."
• An intermediate molecule in gene expression used in biotechnology and vaccine development – engineered mRNA can be delivered into cells to produce therapeutic proteins or antigens.
  • Example: "Synthetic mRNA platforms enable rapid design of vaccines against emerging pathogens."