RNA, messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), RNA interference (RNAi), CRISPR, James Watson, Francis Crick, RNA polymerase, spliceosome, small interfering RNA (siRNA), RNA world hypothesis, ribozymes, non-coding RNA, National Instit

RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a molecule that helps carry genetic information. mRNA (messenger RNA) transmits DNA instructions for protein production. rRNA (ribosomal RNA) forms part of ribosomes, the cell's protein factories. tRNA (transfer RNA) ferry amino acids to build proteins. RNA interference (RNAi) uses small RNAs like siRNA to regulate gene activity. CRISPR is a technology that edits genes precisely. James Watson and Francis Crick discovered DNA's structure. RNA polymerase copies DNA into RNA. The spliceosome splices RNA to produce mature messages. The RNA world hypothesis suggests early life relied mainly on RNA. Ribozymes are RNA molecules with enzymatic activity; non-coding RNAs regulate genes.