Question

How does RNA replication take place?

Answer 1

The replication is the process of the synthesis of a new strand of genetic material which can be either DNA or RNA. This process requires the initiation by certain enzymes and occurs generally in the nucleus of the cell.

Complete answer
The RNA replication requires a virus-coded enzyme having a similar function as RNA polymerase in the case of the DNA replication. It takes place in the nucleus of the cell where the complimentary copy of the RNA is formed which is exactly similar to the original strand of RNA. Here, it is observed that the RNA is mostly found to be coated with the nucleocapsid proteins. While the mRNAs were not found to be coated by these proteins, it will result in the interference during the process of translation or the functioning of the protein synthesis machinery. In this, no signal of start or end genes are followed and the genome starts to replicate from the promoter region which is located at the 3’. This process helps in the continuation of life.

Additional information
- RNA is a ribose sugar polymer having a backbone of the phosphate. They are made up of four nitrogenous bases that include adenine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil.
- It may be found in the nucleus, in ribosomes, or even in the cytoplasm of the cell.
- It helps in the synthesis of proteins by sending the sense codons from the ribosomes to the nucleus acting as a messenger from the DNA.
- RNA replication requires a DNA template for replication it does not replicate on its own.
- RNA relocation just like DNA replication occurs in three stages that include initiation, elongation, and termination.

Note:
The RNAs are basically of three types depending upon the expression of the gene and their coding. They are tRNA transfer RNA), mRNA messenger RNA), and rRNA (ribosomal RNA). There is the addition of one more type of RNA is SnRNA (small nuclear RNAs). Their name depends upon the functions they perform which include transferring and coding of proteins.