RNA

• what is RNA?

  a polymer of a nucleotide formed of a ribose, a nitrogenous base and a phosphate group.
• what are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?

  Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine, Uracil
• what is the function of RNA?

  to copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosomes.
• what is mRNA?

  messenger RNA, a copy of a gene from DNA
• where is mRNA created?

  nucleus and it leaves to carry the copy of the genetic code of 1 gene to a ribosome in the cytoplasm
• where is tRNA found?

  in the cytoplasm
• what is the shape of tRNA?

  single stranded, but folded to create a shape that looks like a cloverleaf which is held by hydrogen bonds
• what is the function of tRNA?

  to attach to 1 of the 20 amino acids and transfer this amino acid to the ribosome to create the polypeptide chain. Specific amino acids attach to specific tRNA molecules - determined by anticodons on tRNA that are complementary to codons on mRNA
• what is rRNA?

  Ribosomal RNA, makes up the bulk of ribosomes
• what are the differences between the DNA and RNA monomers?

  DNA - thymine RNA - uracil

  DNA - Deoxyribose RNA - ribose
• what are the differences between the DNA and RNA polymers?

  DNA - larger, contains 23,000 genes (the entire genome) RNA - shorter, only 1 length of 1 gene

  DNA - double stranded RNA - single stranded