Structure of RNA

• Codon: sequence of three bases on mRNA that codes for a single amino acid
• Genome: the complete set of genes in a cell
• Proteome: full range of proteins produced by the genome
• Structure of RNA:

  • the Pentose sugar ribose
  • a nitrogenous base (AUCG)
  • a phosphate group
• Messenger RNA (mRNA)

  • Long strand arranged in a single helix
  • Base sequence determined by transcription
  • Once formed, leaves nucleus via nuclear pore and enters the cytoplasm
  • In the cytoplasm it associates with ribosomes and acts as a template for photosynthesis
• Transfer RNA (tRNA):

  • Single stranded chain
  • Many types, each bind to a specific amino acid
  • At the opposite end of the tRNA molecule is a sequence of three other organic bases called the anticodon
  • As each tRNA is specific to one amino acid, it has an anticodon specific to that amino acid
• Base pairing:

  • Cytosine with guanine
  • Adenine with uracil