For many years, RNA was thought to have something of a supplementary role in genome function - an intermediate in the flow of biological information from gene to protein. In recent years, however, the centrality of RNA as a key player in gene expression has become clear; it is far from being merely a staging post between gene and protein. Instead, new insights into RNA structure and function have revolutionized our view of molecular biology, and the role of RNA in the evolution of life itself. Molecular Biology of RNA is the first student text to provide a broad survey of RNA structure and function. It leads the reader through the life cycle of an RNA, placing particular emphasis on post-transcriptional events - including post-transcriptional processing and splicing - to reveal how hugely diverse gene products stem from a relatively modest gene pool. It also describes how RNA molecules have a range of biological functions beyond that of the messenger RNA, including roles as catalysts and regulatory molecules. Throughout the book, descriptions of our current understanding of the field are augmented with examples of pioneer RNA researchers and their key experiments, demonstrating how we have reached our current level of understanding. Further, boxes illustrate the involvement of RNA in the aetiology of human disease, showing how an understanding of the molecular biology of RNA is central to understanding disease processes and their potential treatment. Molecular Biology of RNA is an essential course text for molecular biology students in the 21st century, capturing the excitement of a field that has changed our understanding of genome function forever. Online Resource Centre The Online Resource Centre to accompany Molecular Biology of RNA features: For registered adopters: Figures from the book in electronic format