RNA cleavage

RNA cleavage is a biological process where RNA molecules are cut into smaller pieces. This occurs during RNA processing, where larger RNA transcripts are broken down into their functional forms. For example, ribosomal RNA (rRNA) molecules are cleaved from larger transcripts, and transfer RNA (tRNA) precursors are cleaved to create mature tRNA molecules.1

Certain RNA molecules, known as ribozymes, can also act as enzymes and catalyze their own cleavage or the cleavage of other RNA molecules. Additionally, RNA interference (RNAi) involves the cleavage of messenger RNA (mRNA) by a complex containing microRNA (miRNA) or short interfering RNA (siRNA), which effectively silences gene expression. This process is crucial for regulating genes and defending cells against viruses.23