Textbook Question
Competing endogenous RNAs act as molecular 'sponges.' What does this mean, and what do they compete with?
Ch. 18 - Post-transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes
Klug12th EditionConcepts of Genetics ISBN: 9780135564776
Not the one you use?Change textbookSelect a different textbook
Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Introduction to Genetics17
- Ch. 2 - Mitosis and Meiosis36
- Ch. 3 - Mendelian Genetics51
- Ch. 4 - Extensions of Mendelian Genetics74
- Ch. 5 - Chromosome Mapping in Eukaryotes51
- Ch. 6 - Genetic Analysis and Mapping in Bacteria and Bacteriophages46
- Ch. 7 - Sex Determination and Sex Chromosomes33
- Ch. 8 - Chromosome Mutations: Variation in Number and Arrangement40
- Ch. 9 - Extranuclear Inheritance31
- Ch. 10 - DNA Structure and Analysis43
- Ch. 11 - DNA Replication and Recombination44
- Ch. 12 - DNA Organization in Chromosomes30
- Ch. 13 - The Genetic Code and Transcription54
- Ch. 14 - Translation and Proteins47
- Ch. 15 - Gene Mutation, DNA Repair, and Transposition41
- Ch. 16 - Regulation of Gene Expression in Bacteria29
- Ch. 17 - Transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes41
- Ch. 18 - Post-transcriptional Regulation in Eukaryotes33
- Ch. 19 - Epigenetics33
- Ch. 20 - Recombinant DNA Technology44
- Ch. 21 - Genomic Analysis36
- Ch. 22 - Applications of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology36
- Ch. 23 - Developmental Genetics37
- Ch. 24 - Cancer Genetics34
- Ch. 25 - Quantitative Genetics and Multifactorial Traits54
- Ch. 26 - Population and Evolutionary Genetics45
Chapter 18, Problem 18
How are mRNAs stored within the cell in a translationally inactive state, and how can their translation be stimulated?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that mRNAs can be stored in the cell in a translationally inactive state by being sequestered into specific cytoplasmic structures called processing bodies (P-bodies) or stress granules, where translation is temporarily repressed.
Recognize that in these storage sites, mRNAs are often bound by RNA-binding proteins and associated with factors that prevent the assembly of the translation initiation complex, thus keeping them inactive.
Learn that translation can be stimulated by signaling pathways that modify these RNA-binding proteins or translation factors, leading to the release of mRNAs from P-bodies or stress granules.
Know that once released, the mRNAs can recruit the translation initiation machinery, including the eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs), to form the initiation complex and begin protein synthesis.
Appreciate that this regulation allows the cell to rapidly respond to environmental or developmental cues by controlling when and where specific proteins are produced from stored mRNAs.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
2mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
mRNA Storage in Ribonucleoprotein Granules
mRNAs can be stored in the cytoplasm within ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules such as stress granules and processing bodies (P-bodies). These granules sequester mRNAs in a translationally inactive state, preventing their translation until conditions favor protein synthesis.
Recommended video:
Guided course
08:39
mRNA Processing
Translational Repression Mechanisms
Translational repression involves proteins and microRNAs binding to mRNAs to inhibit ribosome assembly or progression. This regulation ensures that mRNAs remain untranslated until specific signals relieve repression, allowing controlled protein production.
Recommended video:
Guided course
07:58Translation initiation
Activation of Translation via Signaling Pathways
Translation can be stimulated by cellular signals that modify translation initiation factors or release mRNAs from inhibitory complexes. For example, phosphorylation events can activate initiation factors, promoting ribosome recruitment and initiating protein synthesis from stored mRNAs.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:30Post Translational Modifications
Related Practice
Textbook Question
How and why are eukaryotic mRNAs transported and localized to discrete regions of the cell?
2
views
Textbook Question
In principle, RNAi may be used to fight viral infection. How might this work?
Textbook Question
How may the covalent modification of a protein with a phosphate group alter its function?
Textbook Question
How is it possible that a given mRNA in a cell is found throughout the cytoplasm but the protein that it encodes is only found in a few specific regions?
4
views
Textbook Question
While circular RNAs were first described long ago, they have only recently been investigated for function. What are their known and suspected functions in the cell?