messenger rna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “messenger rna” mean?
A type of RNA (ribonucleic acid) that carries the genetic code from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of RNA (ribonucleic acid) that carries the genetic code from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
The intermediary molecule that transfers genetic instructions from the genome to the protein-manufacturing machinery of the cell. Its discovery was pivotal to understanding the central dogma of molecular biology (DNA → RNA → protein). In recent biotechnological applications, synthetic mRNA (as in certain vaccines) functions on the same principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow national norms for other terms in the sentence (e.g., 'ribosome in the centre of the cell' vs. 'ribosome in the center of the cell').
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Identical frequency within the relevant scientific disciplines.
Grammar
How to Use “messenger rna” in a Sentence
The mRNA encodes [a protein].mRNA is transcribed from [DNA].mRNA is translated by [ribosomes].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “messenger rna” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The gene will messenger its code to the cytoplasm.
- The cell is messaging the genetic instructions via RNA.
American English
- The gene will messenger its code to the cytoplasm.
- The cell is messaging the genetic instructions via RNA.
adverb
British English
- The information was transferred messengerrna-like.
- The process functions, messenger-wise, as an intermediary.
American English
- The information was transferred messengerrna-like.
- The process functions, messenger-wise, as an intermediary.
adjective
British English
- The mRNA vaccine technology is groundbreaking.
- We observed the messenger RNA levels.
American English
- The mRNA vaccine technology is groundbreaking.
- We observed the messenger RNA levels.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts (e.g., 'Our mRNA platform shows promise.')
Academic
Core term in life sciences, biochemistry, and genetics lectures, papers, and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; gained some public awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding mRNA vaccines.
Technical
The primary and precise context. Used in lab reports, research protocols, and scientific discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “messenger rna”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “messenger rna”
- Incorrect capitalisation: 'Messenger Rna' or 'messenger Rna'. Should be 'messenger RNA' or 'mRNA'.
- Mispronouncing RNA as a word ('erna') instead of individual letters ('R-N-A').
- Using 'DNA' interchangeably with 'mRNA'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, mRNA is the standard and universally accepted abbreviation for messenger RNA.
Yes, many viruses utilise mRNA as part of their replication cycle. Some viruses have RNA genomes that directly function as mRNA.
Because the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines were pioneering examples of using synthetic mRNA to instruct human cells to produce a viral protein, thereby triggering an immune response.
mRNA carries the code for a protein, while tRNA brings the correct amino acids to the ribosome to be assembled into that protein according to the mRNA code.
A type of RNA (ribonucleic acid) that carries the genetic code from DNA in the cell nucleus to the ribosome in the cytoplasm, where it serves as a template for protein synthesis.
Messenger rna is usually technical / scientific in register.
Messenger rna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmes.ɪn.dʒər ˌɑːr.ɛnˈeɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmes.ən.dʒɚ ˌɑr.ɛnˈeɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of mRNA as a **M**essenger **R**iding from the Nucleus to the Assembly line (ribosome). Or, mRNA = **M**ailman RNA, delivering genetic letters.
Conceptual Metaphor
A BLUEPRINT or RECIPE COPY (DNA is the master recipe book in the office; mRNA is a single photocopied page sent to the kitchen). A COURIER or MESSAGE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of messenger RNA?