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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between UTR and Intron?

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The main difference between UTR (Untranslated Region) and intron lies in their location within the mRNA molecule and their role in the translation process. Here are the key differences:

  • UTR (Untranslated Region): UTRs are non-coding sequences found on each side of the mRNA sequence. There are two UTRs: the 5' UTR (also known as the leader sequence) and the 3' UTR (also known as the trailer sequence). UTRs are present in the mature mRNA that undergoes translation.
  • Intron: Introns are non-coding sequences found within the gene between exons. Introns are spliced off when making mRNA, and they are not seen in the mRNA sequence. Introns are not included in the mature mRNA molecule that will undergo translation.

In summary:

  • UTRs are sections of mRNA that are not translated into protein.
  • Introns are non-coding sections of a gene's DNA that are removed during RNA splicing.
  • UTRs are present in the mature mRNA that undergoes translation.
  • Introns are spliced off when making mRNA and are not present in the mRNA sequence.
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  • What is the Difference Between UTR and Intron?
  • Comparative Table: UTR vs Intron

    • Comparative Table: UTR vs Intron

    The difference between UTR (Untranslated Region) and Intron can be understood by their roles in gene expression and the sections of the gene they are found in. Here is a comparison between the two:

    UTR Intron
    UTRs are sections of mRNA that are not translated into protein. Introns are non-coding sections of a gene's DNA, which are intervening sequences within a gene.
    UTRs are found at the beginning (5' UTR) and end (3' UTR) of the mRNA, before and after the coding sequences (CDS). Introns are typically found within the CDS and are removed through a process called splicing, leaving only the coding sequences in the final mRNA.
    UTRs can play a role in regulation of gene expression by influencing translation and stability of mRNA. Introns can influence the splicing process and promote alternative splicing, which can lead to the production of different isoforms of a protein from a single gene.

    In summary, UTRs are non-coding regions at the beginning and end of the mRNA, while introns are non-coding sections within the CDS that are removed from the mRNA before translation. Both UTRs and introns play important roles in gene expression, but they function in distinct ways and locations within the gene.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.