5' cap
5' cap
The 5' cap (pronounced "five prime cap") is a specially altered nucleotide on the 5' end of precursor messenger RNA and some other primary RNA transcripts. The process of 5' capping is vital for the maturation, processing, and recognition of messenger RNA in eukaryotes.
Pronunciation
- IPA: /faɪv praɪm kæp/
Etymology
The term "5' cap" originates from the 5' end of the RNA molecule, which is the location of the cap. The term "cap" refers to the metaphorical 'cap' placed on the RNA strand during post-transcriptional modifications.
Function
The 5' cap is added to the first nucleotide in the transcript during transcription. This cap protects the 5' end of the primary RNA transcript from degradation and assists in ribosome binding during translation.
Related Terms
- Nucleotide: The basic building block of RNA and DNA.
- Messenger RNA: The type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome.
- Eukaryotes: Organisms whose cells have a nucleus enclosed within membranes.
- Transcription: The process of making an RNA copy of a gene sequence.
- Translation: The process of translating the sequence of a messenger RNA molecule to a sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis.
- Ribosome: A complex molecule made of ribosomal RNA molecules and proteins that form a factory for protein synthesis in cells.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on 5' cap
- Wikipedia's article - 5' cap
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