Question

Describe the two types of RNA editing, outlining the different steps involved. Which type of editing involves the most significant changes in the mRNA sequence?

Answer 1

RNA editing is the process of changing the RNA transcript sequence after the process of transcription.

Two types of RNA editing is insertion/deletion editing and substitution editing.

Insertion/deletion editing: It involves insertion or deletion of specific base pair (uracil) into or from the transcribed RNA sequence. It involves formation of editosome complex, in which enzyme endoribonuclease first cleaves the RNA transcript. The enzyme Exo Uase then removes the uracil base pairs from the transcript. Finally, RNA ligase again join the RNA transcript.

Substitution editing involves substitution of U to C, or C to U by the process of deamination. Enzyme cytidine deaminase deaminates cytidine into uridine.

Substitution editing makes the most significant changes in the mRNA sequence. Substitution of base pair changes the mRNA sequence which helps to make two different proteins of different lengths from the same RNA transcript. It helps to produce different functional proteins from one mRNA transcript.