VCAC: Molecular Processes: mRNA Processing: First Look

The following images attempt to illustrate how pre-mRNA is altered to produce a processed mRNA ready for splicing. Our goal is to emphasize the key steps in this process. Clicking on each of the thumbnail images will bring up a larger, labeled version of the described scene.

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	The first step in mRNA processing is the adding of a cap. Capping occurs during transcription.
	Certain signal sites play key roles in helping to assemble complexes responsible for polyadenylation.
	Polyadenylation involves several different proteins.
	As these proteins go to work, the poly(A) tail begins to grow.
	The final product of mRNA processing is a strand of mRNA that has been capped and had a poly(A) tail added to it.

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