Primary transcript

The Primary transcript (pronunciation: /ˈpraɪməri trænˈskrɪpt/) is a term used in molecular biology to refer to the initial RNA sequence that is transcribed from a particular gene.

Etymology

The term "Primary transcript" is derived from the Latin word 'primarius' meaning 'first' and the Latin word 'transcribere' meaning 'to copy'. It is called so because it is the first RNA sequence that is transcribed from a gene before it undergoes further processing to become mature RNA.

Description

In eukaryotes, the primary transcript is often a precursor to the final RNA product. This precursor molecule, known as pre-mRNA, undergoes several processing steps, including splicing, 5' capping, and 3' polyadenylation, before it becomes a mature mRNA molecule that can be translated into a protein.

In prokaryotes, the primary transcript can act as mRNA without the need for further processing. This is because prokaryotes do not have a nucleus, and transcription and translation occur simultaneously in the cytoplasm.

Related Terms

Gene: A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring.
mRNA: Messenger RNA, a type of RNA that carries genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome, where it specifies the amino acid sequence of the protein products of gene expression.
Splicing: The process by which introns are removed from the primary transcript and the remaining exons are connected together.
5' capping: The addition of a cap to the 5' end of the pre-mRNA molecule. This cap is important for the stability of the mRNA and its transport out of the nucleus.
3' polyadenylation: The addition of a poly-A tail to the 3' end of the pre-mRNA molecule. This tail is important for the stability of the mRNA and its transport out of the nucleus.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Primary transcript
Wikipedia's article - Primary transcript

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Primary transcript