What is RNA?
Many people know what DNA is since it is commonly called the "blueprint of life." However, fewer people are familiar with RNA. So, "What is it?" RNA, short for ribonucleic acid, is another molecule found inside everyone's cells. Similar to DNA, it is a nucleic acid that possesses a helical shape. There are a few notable differences between RNA and DNA to be aware of, such as RNA is a single-strand molecule. RNA is built from bases, like adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil. Uracil is a base that is unique to RNA, whereas DNA uses a different base called thymine. In addition to this, ribose sugar builds the backbone of RNA molecules, alongside phosphate groups. [1]
Purpose of RNA
RNA molecules play an important role in cells, with that role being the creation of proteins. In the grand scheme of things, proteins are the physical product of the genetic code written out in DNA. It's RNA's job to take the message written out in DNA and translate it into protein products. This process is appropriately called translation.
It may be helpful to think of translation as part of a relay race, where RNA molecules pass off their information to the next runner. The result of this stretch of the race is the building of a chain of amino acids that will eventually become proteins. There are a variety of RNA types that are involved in this process, with the main types being messenger RNA (mRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and ribosomal RNA (rRNA). [2]
In addition to this, other types of RNA are involved in managing the expression levels of genes.
RNA Vaccines
Most people are familiar with traditional vaccines, which work by introducing the body to dead or impaired pathogens. This is done to familiarize the immune system with a particular bacteria or virus so it is prepared to defend the body if it encounters the same pathogen at a later time.
When it comes to RNA vaccines, they contain mRNA molecules that enter cells. As aforementioned, mRNA plays a major role in creating proteins. The mRNA in these vaccines typically will code for a protein that is typically made the target pathogen. For example, a protein that is made on the membrane of viruses. The mRNA molecule is taken up by cells in the body and is used to create the protein that corresponds to the pathogen. In response to this protein, the immune system will signal for the body to make antibodies against it. This will allow the body to garner a strong immune response if and when it encounters the pathogen in the future.[3]
A few things to note about mRNA vaccines: the mRNA molecule is not a permanent addition to the cell. It is degraded shortly after the cell is done with it. This also means that the mRNA molecule does not edit an individual's DNA. At the moment, the only FDA-approved mRNA vaccines are those for COVID-19. [3]
Sources
[3] https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/understanding/therapy/mrnavaccines/ Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board