RNA

• RNA’s location in eukaryotic cells

  Can be found both inside and outside the nucleus
• RNA’s base pairing

  Adenine pairs with uracil (A-U)
• RNA’s base pairing

  Cytosine pairs with guanine
• RNA’s Function

  Helps DNA code for traits
• Types of RNA

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA)
  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)
  • Transfer RNA (tRNA)
• Messenger RNA (mRNA)


  • Carries a message based on the DNA
  • Has the ability to leave the nucleus (where DNA is) to take the message to a ribosome (makes protein)
• Ribosomal RNA (rRNA)


  A major component of ribosomes
• Transfer RNA (tRNA)


  • Transfers amino acids to match the correct mRNA codon
  • When those amino acids join together, they make a polypeptide chain (makes up protein)
• RNA structure


  • Typically single-stranded
  • Its ribose sugar forms a cyclical structure with five carbons and one oxygen
  • Can fold into complex shapes due to self-complementary sequences
  • Interchain base pairing leads to helices and bulges
  • The three-dimensional structure is critical for stability and function
• All base pairs are bonded by hydrogen bonds