Standard Lemma guide

riboswitch

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

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

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: biochemistry, biology, chemistry, microbiology, natural-sciences, physical-sciences

Examples

  • 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

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From ribo- + switch.

Real reading context

riboswitch in complete knowledge articles