A primary transcript is an RNA molecule that has not yet undergone any modification after its synthesis such as methylation, or the addition of a Poly-A tail. For example, a precursor messenger RNA (pre-mRNA) is a primary transcript that becomes a messenger RNA (mRNA) after processing, and a primary microRNA (pri-miRNA) precursor becomes a microRNA (miRNA) after processing.
Famous quotes containing the word primary:
“The primary function of a theater is not to please itself, or even to please its audience. It is to serve talent.”
—Robert Brustein (b. 1927)