RNA

Definition

Ribonucleic acid; a polymeric nucleic acid that carries genetic information, catalyzes biochemical reactions, and serves as a template for protein synthesis. In arthropods and other organisms, RNA exists in several functional forms: messenger RNA (mRNA) transmits genetic instructions from DNA to ribosomes; transfer RNA (tRNA) delivers amino acids during translation; ribosomal RNA (rRNA) forms the structural and catalytic core of ribosomes; and various non-coding RNAs regulate gene expression. RNA genomes characterize many arthropod viruses, including important insect pathogens.

Etymology

Initialism of ribonucleic acid, from ribose (the pentose sugar in its backbone) + nucleic acid.

Example

In honey bees, viral pathogens such as Deformed wing virus and Israeli acute paralysis virus possess single-stranded RNA genomes that replicate in host cells and are transmitted between individuals by Varroa mites, making RNA viruses a major concern for apiculture worldwide.

Synonyms

• ribonucleic acid

Related Terms

• DNA
• mRNA
• tRNA
• rRNA
• Ribosome
• Transcription
• translation
• reverse transcriptase
• RNA interference
• RNA virus

Usage Notes

As a mass noun, RNA typically takes singular verbs and does not form a regular plural ('RNAs' appears only when distinguishing multiple distinct RNA molecules or types). Specialists distinguish functional classes by prefix: mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, miRNA, siRNA, etc. In medical and veterinary entomology, 'RNA virus' denotes an important category of arthropod-borne pathogens, contrasting with DNA viruses. The term should not be confused with RNP (ribonucleoprotein) or with species epithets containing 'rna' as a coincidental letter sequence (e.g., Naupactus rnacilentus).