mRNA (messenger RNA) is read from 5' to 3' due to the structural and chemical properties of RNA molecules.
The numbering in a nucleic acid molecule refers to the carbon atoms in its sugar backbone. The 5' (five prime) end of an mRNA molecule refers to the carbon atom in the sugar ring which carries a phosphate group. The 3' (three prime) end refers to the carbon atom in the sugar ring which contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group.
The machinery responsible for protein synthesis uses the information encoded in the mRNA sequence to create a polypeptide chain (protein). The ribosome, which is the site of protein synthesis, moves along the mRNA molecule in a 5' to 3' direction.
Since mRNA is synthesized by RNA polymerase in a 5' to 3' direction, its sequence corresponds with the DNA template strand that is read in the opposite 3' to 5' direction. This is known as the Central Dogma of molecular biology, where information flows from DNA to RNA to proteins.
The 5' to 3' directionality of mRNA is vital for the accurate translation of the mRNA sequence into a functional protein. The sequence of the mRNA is read codon by codon in groups of three nucleotides, called codons. Each codon codes for a specific amino acid or represents a stop signal. The ribosome reads the codons in a 5' to 3' direction, ensuring the correct sequence of amino acids during protein synthesis.
In summary, the 5' to 3' directionality of mRNA is essential for the accurate reading and translation of the genetic code to produce functional proteins.
in the language of the mRNA why it is readaed from 5' to 3' and what does it mean?
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