14.1.2

Types of RNA

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Types of RNA

RNA is a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule that is made from the same bases as DNA except for uracil (U) which is used instead of thymine (T). There are different types of RNA:

mRNA

mRNA

  • Messenger RNA (mRNA) is transcribed from DNA in the nucleus to produce a single-stranded RNA.
  • The mRNA strand is complementary to the DNA base sequence.
  • mRNA travels from the nucleus to the ribosomes in the cytoplasm.
  • Ribosomes are proteins that translate mRNA into amino acids and synthesize the polypeptide.
tRNA

tRNA

  • Transfer RNA (tRNA) forms a clover-like shape and is vital for translation.
  • tRNA reads the mRNA codons and brings the corresponding amino acid into the ribosomes.
Accuracy of tRNA

Accuracy of tRNA

  • It is important that the correct amino acid is brought to the ribosomes by tRNA so that the protein is assembled correctly.
  • Each tRNA molecule has an anticodon which is complementary to a specific codon on mRNA.
  • The amino acid that corresponds to a specific anticodon binds to a specific attachment site on the tRNA molecule.
DNA → amino acid

DNA → amino acid

  • There are many processes in producing an amino acid from the original DNA sequence.
  • If the original DNA sequence has the codon GCC, the codon in each step is:
    • DNA codon: GCC.
    • mRNA complementary codon: CGG.
    • tRNA anticodon: GCC.
    • Amino acid: Arginine.
rRNA

rRNA

  • Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is a key component of ribosomes.
    • rRNA is hence vital for protein synthesis to occur.
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Practice questions on Types of RNA

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  1. 1
    What feature of tRNA molecules ensures each tRNA binds to the correct codon?Multiple choice
  2. 2
    Which of the following statements about RNA are true?True / false
  3. 3
    If the DNA codon is CAG, what will the mRNA complementary codon be?Multiple choice
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Introduction to Transcription & Protein Synthesis

Transcription