Here's a breakdown:
* Transcription: The initial RNA molecule, called pre-mRNA, is synthesized in the nucleus by the enzyme RNA polymerase.
* 5' capping: A modified guanine nucleotide is added to the 5' end of the pre-mRNA, providing protection from degradation and aiding in ribosome binding during translation.
* Splicing: Introns, non-coding sequences, are removed from the pre-mRNA, and exons, coding sequences, are joined together. This process occurs in the nucleus, primarily in structures called spliceosomes.
* 3' polyadenylation: A tail of adenine nucleotides is added to the 3' end of the pre-mRNA, protecting it from degradation and aiding in its export from the nucleus.
After these processing steps, the mature mRNA is transported out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm, where it can be translated into protein.
