mRNA
Americanabbreviation
Usage
What is mRNA? mRNA, or messenger RNA, is RNA that’s used to carry DNA’s genetic code outside the cell nucleus so it can be used as the instructions to build proteins. DNA is a large, complex molecule (macromolecule) that allows cells to function and carries the genetic code that determines the traits of a living organism. DNA is in every cell of every living thing and contains the instructions that cells need to function. RNA is a macromolecule that functions alongside DNA to help cells make proteins, among other functions. mRNA is created from a DNA template in the nucleus. An enzyme in the cell nucleus, known as RNA polymerase, unspirals the DNA and breaks the ladder in half down the middle. The enzyme then reads the nitrogen bases (the rungs of the ladder) and makes RNA in a process known as transcription. mRNA carries DNA’s genetic code to structures called ribosomes in the cytoplasm (the middle layer of the cell between the nucleus and the membrane). The ribosomes “read” this code (the nitrogen base sequence), which specifies the amino acid sequence for protein synthesis—the creation of proteins. Once the protein is built, the cell destroys the mRNA. We took a microscopic look at the differences between mRNA, RNA, and DNA, and their vital roles. Read all about it here!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This deliberately overlooks the capabilities of mRNA technology, and it’s not clear what “better solutions” Kennedy may have in mind.
From Salon • May 20, 2026
At the time, Kennedy said that HHS supported “safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. That’s why we’re moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions.”
From Salon • May 20, 2026
For now, Moderna continues to burn through cash as it looks to diversify away from Covid revenue, with a pipeline that includes intismeran autogene, an mRNA vaccine for patients with certain types of cancer.
From Barron's • May 13, 2026
"Viruses are so, so clever. Their entire genome is equivalent to about one mRNA sequence in humans, yet they are so effective," Koirala says.
From Science Daily • May 13, 2026
Army in pre-clinical work and began a partnership in 2024 with the Vaccine Innovation Center at the Korea University College of Medicine to develop mRNA hantavirus vaccines.
From MarketWatch • May 11, 2026
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
