You must research and explain the molecular mechanisms by which mRNA vaccines function in
humans. Most important is a discussion of what happens at the molecular level inside and immediately
outside a cell that receives the vaccine. Your answer should describe aspects of mRNA vaccines that
relate to Topics 18/19, 20, and 21 but will touch on other biochemistry topics also. Remember this is a
Biochemistry course so your answer must be at a scientific level appropriate to the course content. This
means appropriate use of terminology and naming. A detailed discussion of immunology is not
expected or required for this assignment.
Consider mRNA vaccines:
1. What happens as the vaccine arrives at a cell?
2. What molecular actions occur in a cell the receives the mRNA vaccine?
3. What happens around a cell (inside and outside) after mRNA vaccine interacts with cellular
molecular machinery?
4. What advantages do mRNA vaccines have compared to “classic” (non-mRNA) vaccines?
5. What disadvantages do mRNA vaccines have compared to “classic” (non-mRNA) vaccines?
Compose your assignment answer in paragraphs while considering the points above. Do not provide
your answers in a numbered list. When writing your answer you should address the points above in the
same order that they are given on this page. You may group answers to some of the points above in
the same paragraph if it is appropriate (ifthe answers to the points seem related to you).
It is also recommended that you review the rubric before and after composing your answer to ensure
you have answered appropriately
