• Directory
  • Search
  • All results
  • Journals
  • Definitions
Cell Component
processing bodies
pro·cess·ing bo·dies
Subclass of:
Cytoplasmic Ribonucleoprotein Granules
Definitions related to processing bodies:
  • (p-body) A focus in the cytoplasm where mRNAs may become inactivated by decapping or some other mechanism. Protein and RNA localized to these foci are involved in mRNA degradation, nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD), translational repression, and RNA-mediated gene silencing.
    Gene Ontology Dictionary
    Gene Ontology Consortium, 2021
  • Cytoplasmic RNP granules constitutively found in eukaryotic cells. Various proteins related to RNA regulation including RNA decay are found in P-bodies. P-bodies and STRESS GRANULES both sequester inactive mRNPs via different pathways. In P-bodies mRNAs from the stalled translational machinery are deadenylated and condensed for sequestration.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
Return to OpenMD Medical Dictionary > P
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.

  • About
  • Feedback
  • Guides
  • Terms
© 2026 OpenMD
The content on this site is NOT a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your doctor or health care provider.