RNA serves a multitude of functions within cells. These functions are primarily involved in converting the genetic information contained in a cell's DNA into the proteins that determine the cell's structure and function. All RNAs are originally transcribed from DNA by RNA polymerases, which are specialized enzyme complexes, but most RNAs must be further modified or processed before they can carry out their roles. Thus, RNA processing refers to any modification made to RNA between its transcription and its final function in the cell. These processing steps include the removal of extra sections of RNA, specific modifications of RNA bases, and modifications of the ends of the RNA.

Types of Rna

There are different types of RNA, each of which plays a specific role, including specifying the amino acid sequence of proteins (performed by messenger RNAs, or mRNAs), organizing and catalyzing the synthesis of proteins (ribosomal...