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RNA Structure

RNA Structure

Overview
The basic structure of RNA consists of a five-carbon sugar and one of four nitrogenous bases. Although most RNA is single-stranded, it can form complex secondary and tertiary structures. Such structures play essential roles in the regulation of transcription and translation.
Different Types of RNA Have the Same Basic Structure
There are three main types of ribonucleic acid (RNA): messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). All three RNA types consist of a...

pre-mRNA Processing

pre-mRNA Processing

In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a “cap” to the 5’ end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5’ phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached to it (7-Methyl guanosine). This 5’ cap helps the...

Pre-mRNA Processing

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In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a “cap” to the 5’ end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5’ phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached to it (7-Methyl guanosine). This 5’ cap helps the...

RNA Structure

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Pre-mRNA Processing: Modification of pre-mRNA Ends

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In eukaryotic cells, transcripts made by RNA polymerase are modified and processed before exiting the nucleus. Unprocessed RNA is called precursor mRNA or pre-mRNA to distinguish it from mature mRNA.
Once about 20-40 ribonucleotides have been joined together by RNA polymerase, a group of enzymes adds a cap to the 5' end of the growing transcript. In this process, a 5' phosphate is replaced by modified guanosine that has a methyl group attached (7-methyl guanosine). This 5' cap helps the cell...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection

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Published on: March 26, 2012

Multiple 5' terminal cap structures in late polyoma virus RNA.

A J Flavell, A Cowie, S Legon

|February 1, 1979

Summary

Polyoma virus late mRNAs possess unique 5' terminal cap structures. These capped leader sequences, varying in size, are attached to the main mRNA body via splicing.

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Virology
RNA Biochemistry

Background:

Polyoma virus infection in mouse cells produces viral-specific RNA.
Understanding the structure of viral RNA is crucial for deciphering gene expression mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify and characterize the 5' terminal capped structures of polyoma virus-specific late RNA.
To determine the genomic location and presence of these cap structures in different late mRNA species.

Main Methods:

Analysis of 32P-labeled viral RNA using RNase T1, T2, A, and P1 digestion.
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis for fractionating RNA structures.
Mapping of cap structures to the polyoma viral genome.

Main Results:

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In vitro Transcription and Capping of Gaussia Luciferase mRNA Followed by HeLa Cell Transfection

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In Vitro Transcribed RNA-based Luciferase Reporter Assay to Study Translation Regulation in Poxvirus-infected Cells

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Seven major cap I structures (m7GpppNm1pN2p) and four cap II derivatives (m7GpppNm1pNm2pN3p) were identified in viral RNA.
These cap structures map to a specific region (66-71 map units) on the viral genome.
All identified cap structures were found in purified 16S, 18S, and 19S late mRNAs.

Conclusions:

Polyoma virus late mRNAs are capped with diverse leader sequences.
These capped leaders are attached to the mRNA body through a splicing mechanism.
The findings provide insights into the post-transcriptional processing of viral mRNA.