Focus on RNA biology

Abstract

If DNA is the playbook of life, then RNA, in all its forms, is the company of actors that brings life into being. RNA is likely the original organic molecule that gave rise to DNA as well as enzymes and other proteins that create the flow of genetic information known as the central dogma (DNA -> RNA -> protein). Although the central dogma still holds true generally, our understanding has expanded the concept to encompass reverse transcription of RNA to DNA, regulatory functions of noncoding RNAs, and epigenetic modifications. In this focus issue, we highlight many of the forms and functions of RNA in plants.