5' UTR
In eukaryotic genetics, the 5' UTR (read as 5 prime UnTranslated Region) is a particular section of messenger RNA (mRNA). It precedes the translation initiation site of the gene, bounded on the 5' end by the start of transcription and on the 3' end by the start codon (see Figure 1 for a schematic view). In some viruses it may have additional role in enhancing the expression level or increasing the stability of RNA.
Figure 1. Schematic of Central Dogma of Biology in eukaryotes illustrating the definition of the 5'UTR
General reference
- "Eukaryotic Primary RNA Transcripts Are Processed to Form Functional mRNAs" in Molecular Cell Biology, 4th ed., Lodish, Harvey, et al. Online version in the NCBI Bookshelf.
Categories: RNA | Cell biology stubs