RNA hybridization combines RNA or DNA strands to improve biology. The process is used to create messenger RNA, study retroviruses, and visualize macromolecules in tissues. RNA hybrids are important for cell signaling and can be used to fight disease. The process was first discovered in 1960.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is usually found in a single string. In molecular biology, hybridization means combining two nucleic acids. RNA hybridization occurs when one strand of RNA combines or hybridizes with another strand of RNA or with a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) strand. RNA hybridization uses special pathways that can help scientists improve biology. Cells use the RNA hybridization process to survive, and molecular biologists use hybridization to develop new ways to fight disease and make medicines.
The RNA replication process uses DNA to form the most common ribonucleic acid hybrids. DNA-RNA macromolecules are formed only briefly before the new RNA is released. This important process produces messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA will make proteins with the help or make other ribonucleic acids and macromolecules. Using this process, experiments are being developed to explore the types of proteins each DNA-RNA hybridization is responsible for creating.
In special viruses, called retroviruses, RNA hybridization is used to infect the host cell. The process is used in conjunction with a special enzyme called reverse transcriptase. The virus injects copies of RNA into the cell along with the special enzyme. The enzyme uses the macromolecules to form an RNA-DNA hybrid. Reverse transcriptase is used in experiments to help study the genetic information of retroviruses.
The structures of hybrid RNA complexes are important for cell signaling or communication. In some retroviruses, hybridization of the RNA tells the reverse transcriptase to degrade the original copy of the RNA. The cell would recognize the RNA invader and protect itself from it, but is rapidly degraded to avoid it. No other process occurs, so the shape and size of the RNA-DNA hybrid must signal reverse transcriptase to start the new evidence shredding process.
Many laboratory experiments use special RNA that lights up, called labels, to help visualize where the RNA hybridization is happening. In situ hybridization, or in situ hybridization, is often used to see where certain macromolecules reside within a tissue. This process uses higher temperatures to loosen the DNA, which causes the RNA to hybridize with the injected tags. Rapid cooling of the tissue allows scientists to use the tags to find parts of the tissue. The data may lead to new strategies for fighting disease at the molecular level.
The original formation of RNA hybrids occurred in 1960 and was first conducted before scientists knew about the different types of RNA. It was known that genetic information was transferred from DNA to RNA, but the formation of a DNA-RNA hybrid was not understood. The experiments showed the first DNA-RNA hybrids, which also showed that DNA was used to make RNA with the help of an enzyme called RNA polymerase.
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