riboswitch

R1I1B3O1S1W4I1T1C3H4

noun

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

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Meanings

nounriboswitch (plural riboswitches)

plural riboswitches

  1. biochemistryA 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

Origin

From ribo- + switch.

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

riboswitch. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/riboswitch

MLA

“riboswitch.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/riboswitch. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “riboswitch,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/riboswitch.

Source: riboswitch on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.