Circular RNA
Circular RNA is like a special kind of ribbon that doesn't have an end. Just like how you can keep looping a ribbon around and around to make a circle, circular RNA is a type of genetic material that doesn't have a beginning or an end.
Usually, our genes are made up of DNA, which is like a long and straight ribbon with letters that make up a code for how our bodies are put together. But sometimes, when our genes are being read, a piece of RNA gets cut out and when the two ends get stuck together, it forms a circle. This is called circular RNA.
Scientists used to think that circular RNA was just a mistake and didn't do anything important. But now they are finding out that this special ribbon might actually be very important! It's like a tiny superhero that can do special things in our bodies.
This circular RNA can stick to other things in our cells and change the way our genes are turned on or off. Think of it like a light switch that can turn different parts of our bodies on and off. Scientists are still learning all the ways that circular RNA can affect our health, but it's a very exciting discovery!
Usually, our genes are made up of DNA, which is like a long and straight ribbon with letters that make up a code for how our bodies are put together. But sometimes, when our genes are being read, a piece of RNA gets cut out and when the two ends get stuck together, it forms a circle. This is called circular RNA.
Scientists used to think that circular RNA was just a mistake and didn't do anything important. But now they are finding out that this special ribbon might actually be very important! It's like a tiny superhero that can do special things in our bodies.
This circular RNA can stick to other things in our cells and change the way our genes are turned on or off. Think of it like a light switch that can turn different parts of our bodies on and off. Scientists are still learning all the ways that circular RNA can affect our health, but it's a very exciting discovery!