mRNA

The "life cycle" of an mRNA in a eukaryotic cell.

RNA is transcribed in the nucleus; after processing, it is transported to the cytoplasm and translated by the ribosome.

Finally, the mRNA is degraded.

Synthesis

RNA polymerase transcribes a DNA strand to form mRNA

The brief existence of an mRNA molecule begins with transcription, and ultimately ends in degradation.

During its life, an mRNA molecule may also be processed, edited, and transported prior to translation.

Eukaryotic mRNA molecules often require extensive processing and transport, while prokaryotic mRNA molecules do not.

A molecule of eukaryotic mRNA and the proteins surrounding it are together called a messenger RNP.