DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) are two types of nucleic acids that play fundamental roles in the storage and expression of genetic information within living organisms. While they share similarities in their chemical structure and function, there are several key differences between DNA and RNA that contribute to their distinct roles and properties. … Read more
RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are both essential nucleic acids found in living cells, playing crucial roles in the storage and transmission of genetic information. Despite sharing some similarities, they exhibit key differences in terms of structure and function, reflecting their distinct roles within cellular processes. Structure At a fundamental level, both RNA … Read more
Molecular biology is a branch of biology that explores the structure, function, and interactions of molecules that make up the essential components of living organisms. It delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes, including DNA replication, transcription, translation, and cellular signaling. At its core, molecular biology seeks to understand the molecular basis of … Read more
Small nuclear RNA (snRNA) is a group of short RNA molecules found within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells. Despite their modest size, snRNAs play crucial roles in various aspects of gene expression, particularly in the processes of pre-mRNA splicing and gene regulation. This class of RNA molecules is part of a larger family of non-coding … Read more
The primary transcript is a crucial intermediate molecule in the process of gene expression, representing the initial RNA product synthesized from a DNA template during transcription. Understanding the formation and processing of primary transcripts is fundamental to unraveling the complexities of cellular biology, gene regulation, and the synthesis of functional RNA molecules. Transcription is the … Read more
A gene is a fundamental unit of heredity, a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for building and maintaining an organism. These instructions govern the development, functioning, and characteristics of living organisms, from single-celled bacteria to complex multicellular beings like humans. The study of genes and their transmission from one generation to the next … Read more
Ribonucleic acid, commonly known as RNA, is a versatile and essential molecule in the realm of molecular biology. It plays a central role in the flow of genetic information, serving as a mediator between DNA and protein synthesis. RNA exhibits a diversity of functions, ranging from its involvement in transcription and translation to its participation … Read more
At the genetic level, our uniqueness stems from subtle discrepancies within our DNA sequences, referred to as genetic variants. Some of these variations have noticeable and comprehensible effects, ranging from eye color to the susceptibility to conditions like schizophrenia, a debilitating psychiatric disorder affecting millions globally. Over the past years, scientists have conducted extensive genome-wide … Read more
Cilia, those delicate lash-like extensions protruding from cell surfaces, serve as versatile sensors, detecting mechanical and chemical cues while participating in critical signaling pathways. Over the past decades, cilia’s significance has transformed from ambiguous to alarming, as it shifted from a mysterious organelle to a key player in various diseases. These conditions, termed ciliopathies, encompass … Read more
DNA and RNA, the fundamental building blocks of life, can undergo structural changes due to environmental influences like salt, temperature shifts, and stretching forces. These changes have significant implications for gene regulation and protein functions. Yet, accurately measuring these deformations has proven challenging. Recently, researchers from City University of Hong Kong and Wuhan University, co-led … Read more
MIT biologists have uncovered a crucial insight into the formation of biomolecular condensates within cells. These assemblies, responsible for vital cellular functions, have long puzzled scientists. The discovery highlights a scaffolding protein, TCOF1, as the key player in crafting one such condensate found in the nucleolus, an organelle involved in ribosome construction. This finding sheds … Read more
Gene transcription, the process of turning genes on or off, is essential for cellular diversity, individual variation, and even health and disease. However, understanding this molecular process has been challenging, as it is not directly visible. Recently, a breakthrough microscopy technique called chromatin expansion microscopy (ChromExM) has enabled scientists to observe previously unseen molecular processes … Read more
Scientists at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of molecular biology. Led by Prof. Tuan Anh Nguyen, the research team has identified a previously unknown noncanonical cleavage mechanism involved in the production of microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are small RNA molecules that play a crucial … Read more