What is the Difference Between pre-mRNA and mRNA?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between pre-mRNA and mRNA lies in their structure and processing. Here are the key differences:
- Structure: Pre-mRNA is the primary transcript produced during transcription, containing both coding (exons) and non-coding (introns) sequences. In contrast, mRNA is the mature messenger RNA that contains only the coding sequence of a gene.
- Processing: Pre-mRNA undergoes several processing steps before becoming mRNA. These steps include RNA splicing, where introns are removed, and the addition of a poly(A) tail, which prevents the degradation of mRNA during gene expression.
In summary, pre-mRNA is the initial transcript produced during transcription, while mRNA is the processed, mature form of the RNA that contains only the coding sequence. Pre-mRNA undergoes processing steps such as splicing and polyadenylation to become mRNA, which is then used for protein synthesis.
Comparative Table: pre-mRNA vs mRNA
Here is a table comparing the differences between pre-mRNA and mRNA:
| Feature | Pre-mRNA | mRNA |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The primary transcript in the transcription process, containing both coding (exons) and non-coding (introns) sequences. | A single-stranded RNA created during transcription, containing only coding (exons) sequences. |
| Processing Steps | Undergoes 5' capping, RNA splicing, and 3' end polyadenylation. | Ready for translation after the processing steps have been completed. |
| 5' Capping | A modified guanine (G) nucleotide is added to the first nucleotide in the transcript during transcription, protecting the transcript and helping the ribosome attach to the mRNA. | The 5' cap is already present, as it was added during the pre-mRNA processing steps. |
| 3' Poly-A Tail | A string of approximately 200 A residues is added to the pre-mRNA, protecting it from degradation and signaling the export of the transcript. | This tail is already present, as it was added during the pre-mRNA processing steps. |
| 5' Capping and 3' Poly-A Tail | These stabilizing and signaling modifications are added to the pre-mRNA during processing. | These modifications are already present, as they were added during the pre-mRNA processing steps. |
In summary, pre-mRNA is the primary transcript produced during transcription and contains both coding and non-coding sequences. It undergoes several processing steps, such as 5' capping, RNA splicing, and 3' end polyadenylation, to become mRNA, which is then ready for translation.
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