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News Release 05-154
RNA Research Reveals New Responsibilities
Latest data expand the molecule’s importance in the cell
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Scientists have discovered that ribonucleic acid, or RNA, has a broad range of cellular functions. So-called "small RNAs" constitute a potent set of molecules that can regulate cellular processes including development, pathogen defense and stress response. An RNA molecule that catalyzes chemical reactions has a structured similar to proteins that perform like reactions. An artist's rendering of an RNA molecule is pictured above.
Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller, National Science Foundation
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