6.1.1

Introduction to DNA & RNA

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DNA and RNA

The two main types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.

Illustrative background for What is DNA?Illustrative background for What is DNA? ?? "content

What is DNA?

  • Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is an important information-carrying molecule.
  • DNA is the genetic material in all living organisms, ranging all the way from single-celled bacteria to multicellular mammals.
  • The DNA code tells the cell what to do and what proteins to make.
  • The cell's entire genetic content is called its genome and the study of genomes is genomics.
Illustrative background for Eukaryotic vs prokaryotic DNAIllustrative background for Eukaryotic vs prokaryotic DNA ?? "content

Eukaryotic vs prokaryotic DNA

  • In eukaryotes, DNA is found mainly in the nucleus but there is also some in chloroplasts and mitochondria.
  • In prokaryotes, the DNA is not enclosed in a membranous envelope.
Illustrative background for What is RNA?Illustrative background for What is RNA? ?? "content

What is RNA?

  • Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is similar to DNA.
  • RNA is mostly involved in synthesizing (making) proteins.
  • Ribosomes are formed from RNA and proteins and are the protein builders of the cell.
Illustrative background for The role of mRNAIllustrative background for The role of mRNA ?? "content

The role of mRNA

  • DNA never leaves the nucleus so uses messenger RNA (mRNA) to transfer genetic information to the rest of the cell.
    • mRNA moves out of the nucleus to transfer information to the ribosomes in order to make proteins.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

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