Changes

[[Small nuclear RNA]]s ('''snRNA''') join with proteins to form [[spliceosome]]s. The spliceosomes govern [[alternative splicing]]. Genes code for proteins in bits called [[exon]]s. The bits can be joined together in different ways to make different mRNAs. Thus, from one gene many proteins can be made. This is the process of alternative splicing. Any unwanted versions of the protein get chopped up by [[protease]]s, and the chemical bits re-used.

[[Small nuclear RNA]]s ('''snRNA''') join with proteins to form [[spliceosome]]s. The spliceosomes govern [[alternative splicing]]. Genes code for proteins in bits called [[exon]]s. The bits can be joined together in different ways to make different mRNAs. Thus, from one gene many proteins can be made. This is the process of alternative splicing. Any unwanted versions of the protein get chopped up by [[protease]]s, and the chemical bits re-used.

== Regulatory RNAs ==

== Regulatory RNAs ==

There are a number of RNAs which regulate genes, that is, they regulate the rate at which genes are transcribed or translated.<ref name=Morris>{{cite book |url=http://www.horizonpress.com/rnareg|author= Morris KV|year=2008|title=RNA and the regulation of gene expression: a hidden layer of complexity|publisher=Caister Academic Press|isbn= 978-1-904455-25-7}}</ref>

There are a number of RNAs which regulate genes, that is, they regulate the rate at which genes are transcribed or translated.<ref name=Morris>{{cite book|url=http://www.horizonpress.com/rnareg|author=Morris KV|year=2008|title=RNA and the regulation of gene expression: a hidden layer of complexity|publisher=Caister Academic Press|isbn=978-1-904455-25-7|access-date=2010-04-29|archive-date=2012-01-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120102091412/http://www.horizonpress.com/rnareg|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== miRNA ==

== miRNA ==

Micro RNAs (miRNA) act by joining an enzyme and blocking mRNA or speeding its breakdown. This is called [[RNA interference]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070120113455/http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2006/adv.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2006. RNA Interference]</ref><ref>Lee R.C. & Ambros V. 2001. An extensive class of small RNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans. ''Science'' '''294''', 862-864.</ref><ref>Lau N.C. ''et al'' 2001. An abundant class of tiny RNAs with probable regulatory roles in Caenorhabditis elegans. ''Science'' '''294''', 858-862.</ref>

Micro RNAs (miRNA) act by joining an enzyme and blocking mRNA or speeding its breakdown. This is called [[RNA interference]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070120113455/http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/medicine/laureates/2006/adv.html The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2006. RNA Interference]</ref><ref>Lee R.C. & Ambros V. 2001. An extensive class of small RNAs in Caenorhabditis elegans. ''Science'' '''294''', 862-864.</ref><ref>Lau N.C. ''et al'' 2001. An abundant class of tiny RNAs with probable regulatory roles in Caenorhabditis elegans. ''Science'' '''294''', 858-862.</ref>