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Article: RNA Processing
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- Genetics
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CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 The Gale Group Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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RNA Processing
RNA serves a multitude of functions within cells. These functions are primarily involved in converting the genetic information contained in a cell's DNA into the proteins that determine the cell's structure and function. All RNAs are originally transcribed from DNA by RNA polymerases, which are specialized
enzyme
complexes, but most RNAs must be further modified or processed before they can carry out their roles. Thus, RNA processing refers to any modification made to RNA between its transcription and its final function in the cell. These processing steps include the removal of extra sections of RNA, specific modifications of RNA bases, and modifications of the ends of ...