Guide to the Structure, Cellular Biology, and Associated Technology of RNA

NASA - DNA -vs- Reversed RNA RNA, or ribonucleic acid, exists in a variety of forms. Simpler than the DNA with which it interacts, RNA is involved in a vast array of duties, including peptide manufacture. A hot topic since 2001, miRNA (micro RNA) has joined its previously known “cousins,” mRNA (messenger RNA) and tRNA (transfer RNA). MicroRNA plays a role in regulating gene expression and chromosome structure, whereas formerly it was believed RNA was simply an intermediary between DNA and protein coding. Unhappily, RNA is also implicated in certain viruses, notably the enteroviruses. Learn more about these subjects and others from articles written by your Bright Hub contributors.

Astrobiology: The "Genes First" Model of the Origin of Life The second article in the Astrobiology series examines the “genes first” model of the origin of life, and in particular the “RNA world” hypothesis....	Telomere Length and Canis Familiaris Discover telomere length and canis familiaris facts. Telemore legnth is closely associated with the age of the individuals. The enzyme complex dogTERT in Canis familiaris shows great...
Delving into Macromolecular Modeling The combining of biochemical techniques with information technology has made it possible to understand higher levels of macromolecular structure. It also opens a vista of potential...	The Discovery of Messenger RNA Messenger RNA plays a key role in protein synthesis. This article looks at how the molecule was inadvertently discovered by Elliot Volkin and Lazarus Astrachan, who didn't realize...

Viral Genetics: Enteroviruses

What is an enterovirus? Discover the facts about the life cycle and genetics of this important family of viruses, the second most common in humans, and cause of many serious diseases....

Ribosome FAQ

How much do you know about ribosomes? What are the questions that spring to mind when you think about these fascinating little molecules? Perhaps you already know that they are the sub cellular...

The Significance of a Point Mutation in Chromosome 1

Learn the significance of a point mutation in Chromosome 1. What are the consequences of a point mutation? How can it cause cancer? What diseases are associated with it?...

MicroRNA and Gene Expression

Genes that code for proteins aren't the only kind of gene. There are thousands that code for microRNA, which are fundamental to gene regulation and cell health....

Structure of a Bacteriophage

A bacteriophage is a virus that infects bacteria. The structure of a bacteriophage consists of a head and tail. It contains nucleic acid and proteins. The length of a bacteriophage is between 24 and 200...

RNA Interference and Gene Silencing

RNA interference is a biological process that can stop a gene from being translated into a protein. Understanding its mechanics promises many medical benefits. Find out how this form...

Viral Genetics: Enteroviruses

What is an enterovirus? Discover the facts about the life cycle and genetics of this important family of viruses, the second most common in humans, and cause of many serious diseases...