noun

mRNA

em-ar-en-AY

MRNA (noun) means Messenger RNA: a single-stranded molecule that carries the instructions copied from a gene in DNA out to the cell's ribosomes, where they are used to build a protein. Example: “The gene is transcribed into mRNA before any protein is made.”

noun

Messenger RNA: a single-stranded molecule that carries the instructions copied from a gene in DNA out to the cell's ribosomes, where they are used to build a protein.

"The gene is transcribed into mRNA before any protein is made."

"Levels of the mRNA rose sharply within an hour."

Used attributively of vaccines and therapies that work by delivering synthetic messenger RNA so the body's own cells manufacture a target protein.

"Both Covid-19 mRNA vaccines were approved within a year."

"Researchers are testing mRNA cancer treatments in early trials."

How to Use MRNA

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe molecule that carries a gene's instructions to the part of the cell that builds proteins.

When to use it

Scientific, but familiar to general readers since the Covid-19 vaccines. Always lower-case m, upper-case RNA.

Memory tip

Think of DNA as the archived master copy and mRNA as a disposable working photocopy sent to the factory floor.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

DNA → tRNA rRNA

Common pairings

mRNA vaccine mRNA transcript messenger RNA mRNA technology

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The gene is transcribed into _____ before any protein is made.

Etymology

An abbreviation of messenger ribonucleic acid.

Origin: English

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between DNA and mRNA?

DNA is a stable double helix stored in the nucleus that holds the cell's full genetic record. mRNA is a short-lived single-stranded copy of one section of it, made so the instructions can travel to the ribosomes and be translated into protein, and it is broken down soon afterwards.

Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA?

No. The mRNA never enters the cell nucleus where DNA is kept, and cells have no ordinary mechanism for writing RNA back into their genome. The injected mRNA is degraded within days once the cell has produced the target protein.