riboswitch

English

Etymology

From ribo- +‎ switch.

Noun

riboswitch (plural riboswitches)

1. (biochemistry) A segment within the leading end of a messenger RNA transcript that is able to gauge the cell's need for the protein encoded by the rest of the message, then to rearrange its shape to control whether that protein is manufactured
   • 2006 Volker A Erdmann et.al.

     For example, a riboswitch responsible for sensing flavin mononucleotide (FMN) levels is present in the 5' leader of riboflavin mrna

Related terms

• antiswitch