A Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a single-stranded molecule of Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). It is created during the process of transcription, in molecular biology. During transcription, RNA polymerase creates a copy of a gene from the DNA to mRNA when required.
Key Points
- Vaccines train the immune system to identify the disease-causing part of a virus and they normally contain either purified signature proteins or weakened viruses or of the virus.
- Messenger RNA vaccine is different than the other vaccines as mRNA is coded to instruct the cells to create spike protein of the virus and then replicate it.
- A coronavirus vaccine based on mRNA, when injected into the body, will instruct the cells of the body to create copies of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19.
- This process, in turn, will prompt the immune cells to create antibodies to fight the new copies of viruses. These antibodies will remain in the blood and fight the real virus if and when an infection occurs.
Moderna and Pfizer Vaccines on mRNA Technology
Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Pfizer are making mRNA vaccines for COVID-19. Recently, both companies have announced the results of human trials of their vaccines, which are based on mRNA technology. Moderna announced that the vaccine developed by the company along with the US National Institutes of Health was found to be 94.5% effective. While the vaccine developed by Pfizer in collaboration with BioNTech-Fosun Pharma showed 90% effectiveness.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
It is a polymeric molecule that is important for different biological roles in coding, decoding, regulation, and expression of genes. DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids.
