RNA
RNA stands for ribonucleic acid. RNA is made up of ribose, a five carbon sugar, and phosphate which forms the backbone. Attached to this backbone are 4 bases, in a similar way to DNA where cytosine (C) pairs with guanine (G) and thymine (T) pairs with adenine (A), in RNA C pairs with G, but A pairs with uracil (U) instead of T [1].
RNA involved in gene expression
- DNA is transcribed into mRNA, therefore the mRNA and the DNA are complementary
- This mRNA is then used as a template for translation into a functioning protein
- mRNA is also used to make copy DNA (cDNA)
2. tRNA – transfer RNA [3]
- consists of a sequence of three bases and an associated amino acid
- This molecule travels to the ribosome where a polypeptide is formed, the sequence of which was determined by the mRNA.
3. rRNA – ribosomal RNA [4]
- This is the RNA found in ribosomes
- It acts as a catalyst for protein synthesis
References
- ↑ Berg JM, Tymoczko JL and Stryer L, 2007, Biochemistry 6th edition, NY, W. H Freeman and Company, page 109
- ↑ Berg JM, Tymoczko JL and Stryer L, 2007, Biochemistry 6th edition, NY, W. H Freeman and Company, page 119
- ↑ Berg JM, Tymoczko JL and Stryer L, 2007, Biochemistry 6th edition, NY, W. H Freeman and Company, page 120
- ↑ Berg JM, Tymoczko JL and Stryer L, 2007, Biochemistry 6th edition, NY, W. H Freeman and Company, page 120