Secondary Messenger RNA Structure
Silent mutations change the secondary structure of RNA. Since RNA has a secondary structure that is not necessarily linear like that of DNA, the shape that goes along with the complementary bonding in the structure can have significant effects. For example, if the RNA molecule is not very stable, then it can be broken down quickly by enzymes in the cytoplasm. Alternatively, if the RNA molecule is too stable, and the complementary bonds are too strong for unpacking before translation, then the gene can also be under expressed.
Also, if the oncoming ribosome pauses because of a knot in the RNA, then the polypeptide can have time to fold into an unusual structure before the tRNA molecule has time to add another amino acid.
Read more about this topic: Silent Mutation
Famous quotes containing the words secondary, messenger and/or structure:
“The prime purpose of being four is to enjoy being four—of secondary importance is to prepare for being five.”
—Jim Trelease (20th century)
“Then shall thy meteor glances glow,
And cowering foes shall shrink beneath
Each gallant arm that strikes below
That lovely messenger of death.”
—Joseph Rodman Drake (1795–1820)
“When a house is tottering to its fall,
The strain lies heaviest on the weakest part,
One tiny crack throughout the structure spreads,
And its own weight soon brings it toppling down.”
—Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso)