RNA nucleic acid structure & function

• What is RNA?


  A polymer of RNA nucleotides

  1. Has nitrogenous bases: adenine-uracil, cytosine-guanine
  2. Has ribose(a pentose sugar)
  3. Has a phosphate group
• What is the function of RNA?

  To copy and transfer the genetic code from DNA in the nucleus to the ribosome.
• What are the 3 types of RNA?

  mRNA, tRNA, rRNA
• mRNA

  1. A copy of a gene from DNA
  2. It is created in the nucleus and then leaves to carry the copy of the genetic code of the gene to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm
  3. DNA is too large to leave the nucleus, due top the risk of being damaged by enzymes. mRNA is much shorter(the length of 1 gene) so can leave
  4. FEATURES:
• tRNA

  1. transfer RNA only found in the cytoplasm
  2. Single stranded-folded to look like a clover leaf, which is held in place by hydrogen bonds.
• What is the function of tRNA?

  Attach to and transfer amino acids to ribosomes to create a polypeptide chain
• rRNA


  Ribosomal RNA- the type of RNA that makes up the bulk of ribosomes
• What is the difference between the structure of mRNA and tRNA?

  • mRNA is linear, whereas tRNA is folded into a clover leaf shape
  • mRNA contains codons, whereas tRNA contains anticodons.
  • tRNA contains hydrogen bonds, whereas mRNA does not.
  • tRNA has an amino acid binding site, mRNA does not.