Question

Explain why the translation of a given mRNA can be inhibited by a segment of its complementary sequence, a so-called antisense RNA.

Name: Problem 15, Chapter 27: Fundamentals of Biochemistry
Uploaded: 2021-03-26T08:41:04-08:00
Duration: 1 min 15 s
Channel: Shazia Naz
Description: Explain why the translation of a given mRNA can be inhibited by a segment of its complementary sequence, a so-called antisense RNA.

   Explain why the translation of a given mRNA can be inhibited by a segment of its complementary sequence, a so-called antisense RNA.

Fundamentals of Biochemistry

Donald Voet, Judith… 5th Edition

Chapter 27, Problem 15

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Solved by Expert Shazia Naz

03/26/2021

Step 1

Antisense RNA is a single-stranded RNA molecule that is complementary to a messenger RNA (mRNA) molecule. This means that it can bind to the mRNA molecule through base pairing, forming a double-stranded RNA molecule. Show more…

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Explain why the translation of a given mRNA can be inhibited by a segment of its complementary sequence, a so-called antisense RNA.

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Key Concepts

Complementary Base Pairing

Complementary base pairing refers to the specific and predictable interactions between nucleotide bases (adenine with uracil in RNA, and cytosine with guanine) that allow two RNA strands to form hydrogen bonds. This principle underlies how antisense RNA binds to its target mRNA to prevent proper translation into protein.

Messenger RNA (mRNA)

mRNA is a type of RNA that conveys genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis. Its sequence of nucleotides determines the order of amino acids in a protein, thus playing a central role in gene expression.

Antisense RNA

Antisense RNA is a short strand of RNA that is complementary to a specific mRNA molecule. It binds to the mRNA through base pairing, which can physically block ribosome access or interfere with the mRNA's function, leading to inhibition of translation.

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