mRNA

• mRNA - Transfers the DNA code from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, acting as a type of messenger
• mRNA Structure:

  • Uracil bases are present instead of Thymine bases (which are found in DNA)

  
• mRNA Structure:

  • Made up of a sugar-phosphate backbone and exposed unpaired bases

  
• mRNA Structure:

  • Single-stranded molecule

  
• The base sequence of mRNA is determined by the sequence of bases on a length of DNA in a process called transcription
• mRNA is small enough to leave the nucleus through the nuclear pores and enter the cytoplasm, where it associates with the ribosomes

  • There it acts as a template for protein synthesis
• How mRNA's structure is suited to its function:

  • It possesses information in the form of codons (three bases that are complementary to a triplet in DNA)
  • The sequence of codons determines the amino acid sequence of a specific polypeptide that will be made