Inside the Molecule That Talks Directly to Your DNA
In the realm of molecular biology, there is a molecule that communicates directly with our DNA. This molecule, known as messenger RNA (mRNA), has recently caught the world’s attention due to its crucial role in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. mRNA plays an essential part in our body’s biological processes by acting as a translator and communicator between our DNA and the protein-making machinery of our cells.
Our DNA contains all the genetic instructions required for building and maintaining an organism. However, it remains secure inside the cell nucleus and does not leave this protected environment. Instead, it relies on mRNA to carry its messages out into the cell where these instructions can be executed.
The process begins when a section of DNA unwinds and exposes its coded sequence to an enzyme called RNA polymerase. The enzyme moves along this exposed section of DNA creating a complementary strand of mRNA —a process known as transcription. The newly formed mRNA then detaches from the DNA strand and leaves the nucleus carrying with it genetic information in form of codons or three-nucleotide sequences.
Once outside the nucleus, within cytoplasm—the jelly-like substance filling up most space inside cells—ribosomes read these codons on mRNA molecules like words in click a sentence during translation phase. Each codon corresponds to a specific amino acid—the building blocks for proteins—thus instructing ribosomes which amino acids to link together forming specific proteins required by cells for their functioning.
The importance of this intricate communication system cannot be overstated. It allows for precise control over protein production—an essential aspect determining how our bodies function at cellular level—and also enables rapid response to changes in cellular environment such as infection or injury.
Recent advancements have enabled scientists leverage this natural communication channel between DNA and cells using synthetic mRNA molecules designed in labs to produce desired proteins inside human bodies without altering underlying genetic code—a technique central to development of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
These vaccines contain synthetic mRNA molecules that carry instructions for making spike protein found on surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19. Once injected into body, cells read these instructions and produce harmless spike proteins triggering immune response. This helps our bodies recognize and combat actual virus if exposed to it in future.
The potential applications of this technology extend beyond vaccines. It could be used to produce therapeutic proteins for treating a variety of diseases or even potentially reprogram cancer cells back to normal state.
In conclusion, mRNA is not just a molecule; it’s an essential communicator between our DNA and the rest of our cells. Through its role in transcription and translation processes, mRNA helps regulate protein synthesis—an essential process determining how we function at cellular level—and holds promise for revolutionizing medicine with its potential applications in therapeutics development.