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DNA contains the base sequence, which codes for proteins, and almost all cells have DNA (which stores all our genetic information in its base sequence). It is a remarkable molecule with a double-helix structure, but we can't forget RNA ! RNA , another nucleic acid, is equally important as DNA, especially for protein synthesis. DNA and RNA go hand-in-hand.
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Jetzt kostenlos anmeldenDNA contains the base sequence, which codes for proteins, and almost all cells have DNA (which stores all our genetic information in its base sequence). It is a remarkable molecule with a double-helix structure, but we can't forget RNA ! RNA , another nucleic acid, is equally important as DNA, especially for protein synthesis. DNA and RNA go hand-in-hand.
There are two specific types of RNA that we're going to be examining in detail, each of which has specialized functions in protein synthesis:
Let's take a closer look at each type.
mRNA is the end product of transcription, the first step of protein synthesis, which occurs in the nucleus. These molecules are shorter than DNA, and they store the base sequence of a specific gene as RNA nucleotides. mRNA can migrate out of the nucleus towards a ribosome, where it acts as the template for the next step of protein synthesis. Therefore, its primary function is to transfer the genetic information of proteins to ribosomes, where it is used to determine the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide.
You'll come across pre-mRNA, which is the type of RNA made in eukaryotic cells. Eukaryotes contain introns and exons; Therefore, this pre-mRNA needs to undergo splicing, which removes unwanted introns. Prokaryotic cells do not have introns.
tRNA is involved in translation, which occurs at the ribosomes. These interestingly clover-shaped molecules function to deliver the correct amino acid to the ribosomes to build the polypeptide chain. Think of them as mailmen; tRNA's transport mail (which are amino acids) to homes (which are the ribosomes).
Remember that ribosomes are found in the cytoplasm of cells and on the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER).
Now we know why RNA is essential, but what makes RNA? All types of RNA contain three common components:
As we take a deeper look at the structures of mRNA and tRNA, you'll understand why and how they carry out their specific functions.
mRNA is a short single-stranded helical polynucleotide that is small enough to diffuse through the nuclear pore. The nucleotides contain the same base sequence, or codons, as the template strand of DNA (the only difference is that the thymine in DNA is uracil in RNA).
Polynucleotides are chains made of monomeric nucleotides, in the case of mRNA. The monomers made of RNA nucleotides are composed of a phosphate group, a ribose sugar and a nitrogenous base.
Fig. 1 - The structure of mRNA
Like mRNA, tRNA is made of one polynucleotide strand, folded into an incredible cloverleaf-shaped structure. These vary in size, ranging from 60 to 95 nucleotides. You'll need to know the two functionally essential regions of tRNA:
The anticodon loop is composed of three RNA nucleotides complementary to the codons found on the mRNA. For example, the start codon for mRNA, AUG, will bind to the tRNA with an anticodon loop of UAC.
The amino acid attachment site is, as its name suggests, where the corresponding amino acid temporarily binds. If we come back to our 'tRNA mailman' analogy, the amino acid is the mail delivered to the ribosome!
How does the correct amino acid know to which tRNA it should bind? Enzymes, called aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, are specific to an amino acid, and its tRNA helps attach the amino acid. But don't worry; you won't need to know each enzyme involved in this process. Just appreciate that it's enzymes that do all the work!
First, look at previous articles about the structure and function of DNA if you need to refresh you knowledge. We're going to compare the two types of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA .
Structurally, there is only one main similarity between these nucleic acids, and this is that both are made of at least one polynucleotide strand.
Fig. 2 - The cloverleaf-shaped tRNA structure contains an anticodon and an amino acid attachment site
As you can imagine, there are more differences between DNA and RNA, which are listed below:
We've looked at the details of the structure of each type of RNA, so it's clear that they are structurally different. But let's note them down into points that are easier to understand:
DNA is made of two polynucleotide strands while RNA is only made of one polynucleotide chain.
DNA is a relatively larger and longer molecule than RNA.
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar while RNA contains ribose sugar.
DNA can contain a thymine base while RNA can contain a uracil base.
DNA and RNA are similar in structure when considering both are made of at least one polynucleotide strand. In DNA and RNA nucleotides, both contain a phosphate group, a pentose sugar and a nitrogenous base.
DNA functions to store all genetic information in its base sequence. Meanwhile, mRNA serves to transfer this genetic information to the ribosomes and tRNA functions to deliver amino acids in the creation of a polypeptide.
DNA is a double-helix molecule with antiparallel strands.
RNA molecules are shorter than DNA and contain only one polynucleotide chain. mRNA is a single-stranded helical structure and tRNA is folded into a cloverleaf-shaped structure.
Flashcards in The Structure of RNA12
Start learningWhat is the end product of transcription?
pre-mRNA for eukaryotic cells. mRNA for prokaryotic cells.
What does the mRNA contain?
mRNA contains codons that are derived from the template strand of DNA. These codes for the protein/polypeptide to be synthesized.
What is the main function of mRNA?
mRNA transfers the codons for a gene from the nucleus to the ribosomes found in the cytoplasm.
What process does pre-mRNA undergo before translation?
pre-mRNA in eukaryotic cells undergo mRNA splicing. This is where unwanted introns are removed, catalysed by spliceosomes.
Where does translation take place?
Ribosomes.
What is the main function of tRNA?
tRNA delivers amino acids to the ribosomes to add to the polypeptide chain.
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