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:

Illustrative background for mRNAIllustrative background for mRNA ?? "content

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Illustrative background for rRNA Illustrative background for rRNA  ?? "content

rRNA

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

Jump to other topics

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

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