ribonucleoprotein complex

Definition

Target type: cellularcomponent

A macromolecular complex that contains both RNA and protein molecules. [GOC:krc, GOC:vesicles]

Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are intricate assemblies composed of RNA molecules and proteins, playing vital roles in numerous cellular processes. The cellular component of an RNP complex encompasses the diverse structural and functional elements that contribute to its assembly, stability, and activity. These components include:\\n\\n**RNA Molecules:**\\n * **Messenger RNA (mRNA):** Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis. RNPs containing mRNA facilitate its translation and regulate its stability and localization.\\n * **Ribosomal RNA (rRNA):** Essential structural component of ribosomes, crucial for protein synthesis. RNPs involving rRNA form the ribosome's core structure, facilitating codon recognition and peptide bond formation.\\n * **Transfer RNA (tRNA):** Adaptor molecules that deliver specific amino acids to ribosomes during protein synthesis. RNPs incorporating tRNA are involved in the decoding of mRNA and the accurate incorporation of amino acids into the growing polypeptide chain.\\n * **Small Nuclear RNA (snRNA):** Involved in splicing of pre-mRNA, removing introns and joining exons to form mature mRNA. RNPs with snRNA form spliceosomes, essential for gene expression regulation.\\n * **Small Nucleolar RNA (snoRNA):** Participate in the processing and modification of rRNA, ensuring its correct structure and function. RNPs containing snoRNA are involved in ribosome biogenesis and regulation of protein synthesis.\\n\\n**Proteins:**\\n * **RNA-binding proteins (RBPs):** Bind to RNA molecules, regulating their stability, translation, and localization. RBPs contribute to the specific structure and function of different RNP complexes.\\n * **Scaffold proteins:** Provide structural support to RNP complexes, mediating interactions between different RNA and protein components. Scaffold proteins ensure the proper assembly and integrity of the complex.\\n * **Enzymes:** Carry out specific enzymatic activities within RNP complexes, such as splicing, methylation, or phosphorylation. Enzymes involved in RNP complexes contribute to the regulation of RNA processing and gene expression.\\n\\n**Functional Significance:**\\n The cellular component of RNP complexes contributes to their diverse roles in cellular processes. These include:\\n * **Gene expression regulation:** RNPs control the transcription, processing, translation, and stability of RNA molecules, impacting gene expression levels.\\n * **RNA metabolism:** RNPs are essential for the synthesis, modification, and degradation of RNA molecules.\\n * **Protein synthesis:** RNPs are directly involved in the translation of mRNA into proteins.\\n * **Cellular signaling:** RNPs can transport and deliver specific messages within the cell, contributing to various cellular signaling pathways.\\n * **Viral replication:** Some viruses utilize RNPs to package their genetic material and facilitate their replication within host cells.\\n\\n**Dynamic Nature:**\\n RNP complexes are not static entities. They are dynamic assemblies that can change their composition and structure in response to cellular signals and environmental cues. This dynamic nature allows RNPs to adapt to different cellular needs and respond to changing conditions.'
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Proteins (97)

Compounds (1,397)